The Chicago Bears traded the first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. Part of the compensation was wide receiver D.J. Moore. But Moore was not the Bears’ first choice, as Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer has now explained.

The 2023 first-round pick and the 2024 first-round pick, the 2025 second-round pick and wide receiver D.J. Moore.

That’s the remarkable amount the Carolina Panthers had to cough up to get the first pick in the upcoming draft from the Chicago Bears. Moore in particular was the subject of much discussion.

But the pass receiver was not the first object of desire for the team from Illinois. This was revealed by Scott Fitterer, the general manager of the Panthers.

Panthers vetoed Burns and Brown

The Bears actually wanted to sign one of defensive linemen Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. “It was clear we couldn’t trade up with just picks at number one,” Fitterer told The Athletic.

“We determined from the beginning that we weren’t going to let certain players move. Among them Brown and Burns,” the GM explained. “Obviously we didn’t want to part with D.J. either, but it’s a little easier to replace a wide receiver than it is to replace a pass rusher or a defensive tackle of that caliber. “

The Panthers’ desperation to hold onto Burns is also evident from this past offseason. They reportedly rejected an offer from the Los Angeles Rams for at least two first-round picks.

The Panthers now get to be the first team to select a player in the upcoming draft. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is considered the favourite. The Bears, on the other hand, are going for number nine.