The Bears on Sunday secured the top pick in the 2024 NFL draft — and not by virtue of their own record.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears closed out the last day of 2023 with plenty to celebrate.
The Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons 37-17 during their final game of the year at Soldier Field, which marked their seventh win of the season and fifth straight at home. After starting the season 2-7, Chicago has won four of its past five games.
Though the victory Sunday was the catalyst of a celebratory postgame locker room where cigars purchased by wide receiver DJ Moore were handed out and enjoyed, it’s not the only thing the Bears have to be excited about entering the new year.
The Panthers’ 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Arizona Cardinals’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles ensures the Panthers (2-14) will finish the season with the worst record in the NFL, meaning the Bears are officially locked into possession of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
The Bears will head into the offseason with the No. 1 selection for a second straight year. Chicago earned the top pick on the last day of the 2022 season and traded it to Carolina on March 10 in exchange for the ninth and 61st overall selections in the 2023 draft, Carolina’s 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-rounder and Moore.
Carolina used its No. 1 pick to draft quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled throughout his rookie season.
