The 2023 Jalen Carter Trade-Up: Philadelphia Got an Elite Defender, Chicago Got Darnell Wright
Philadelphia moved from No. 10 to No. 9 for Jalen Carter and sent Chicago a future fourth. The Bears used No. 10 on Darnell Wright, giving both teams a core building block.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 2023 1st round pick (10th overall, Darnell Wright )
- pick 2024 4th round pick (122nd overall, Tory Taylor)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick 2023 1st round pick (9th overall, Jalen Carter )
Trade Summary
Philadelphia moved from No. 10 to No. 9 and selected Jalen Carter, while Chicago received the No. 10 pick used on Darnell Wright plus the 2024 fourth-round pick used on Tory Taylor. Carter became a disruptive interior cornerstone for the Eagles, and Wright developed into a high-end right tackle for the Bears. Both teams converted a one-slot draft move into premium long-term value.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Philadelphia sent the No. 10 pick and a 2024 fourth-round selection to Chicago for No. 9 in the 2023 draft. The Eagles used the higher pick on Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Bears moved down one spot and selected offensive tackle Darnell Wright, then eventually converted the future fourth into another roster asset.
Why Philadelphia Refused to Wait
The Eagles were already loaded with Georgia defenders and saw Carter as a rare interior talent who fit both their scheme and long-term roster plan. Moving only one place reduced the uncertainty that another team could jump them. The cost was controlled: Philadelphia kept a top-10 selection and surrendered a future fourth rather than a larger multi-pick package.
Carter quickly made the aggressiveness look justified. He became an immediate impact defender, earned major league recognition early in his career and developed into a centerpiece of Philadelphia's front. By 2026 the Eagles had already committed to him beyond his rookie deal, evidence that the organization viewed the selection as foundational rather than merely successful.
Why Chicago Can Still Like Its Side
The Bears were targeting offensive-line help and did not have to leave the top 10 to get it. Wright became their right tackle, addressing a premium need while Chicago also collected an additional pick. In process terms, moving one slot and still landing a preferred player is exactly what a trade-down is supposed to accomplish.
The Value Comparison
Carter's defensive ceiling gives Philadelphia the more spectacular individual outcome so far, but this transaction is not accurately described as Chicago simply passing on him for a fourth-round pick. The Bears made a positional choice, landed a starting tackle and gained extra capital.
Final Verdict
Even Trade remains defensible. Philadelphia got the higher-impact star and paid a modest premium to secure him. Chicago still acquired a core offensive lineman plus an extra asset. Both clubs executed clear roster priorities and received meaningful long-term value.