This only works if we can find a buyer for our #2 overall pick. This may seem Madden-esque, but just hear me out.

Trade back with either Vegas, Atlanta, or Carolina (7, 8, 9th picks, respectively). Swapping this year's firsts and they can give us their 2024 first (maybe also a 2nd or 3rd). One of these teams would likely love to be able to take Young/Stroud/Levis if given the chance and they all need fresh QBs, so them having a golden chance to move up without paying Chicago a King's ransom would be enticing.

We now have the 7/8/9th overall plus our 12th. At 7/8/9 take Richardson and at 12 take Bijan.

Take the 2024 first-rounder we got from Vegas/ATL/Carolina and trade it to Cincy for Higgins (apparently they want a 1st).

Richardson now has Pierce, Bijan, Higgins, Metchie, and Nico.

If Slowik is the OC, the offense they bring is QB friendly & good for young, learning QBs. We now have the ability with Pierce/Bijan to have explosive players to take the check-downs (which Richardson will do a lot and something DeMeco said he wants to do), and we'll obviously have a great rushing attack (especially if we bring in a veteran C), which will take pressure off Richardson and open up play-action passes, which are easier for younger QBs to make. Lastly, Richardson is an elite running QB and he can take off whenever he wants, which he'll certainly do as a rookie QB. Having these capabilities means Richardson won't be forced to stand in the pocket and make as many tough throws until he gets better.

Now, we've upgraded QB, WR, RB, and C (assuming we get a vet) all in the first round, plus we may have an additional 2 or 3rd round pick. Now rounds 2-7 can be as defense heavy as we want, and there's a ton of quality mid-round defensive talent. Offense is in a much better state, so is the defense. Win/win. And Richardson won't have to shoulder a huge burden because we're not expected to be a playoff team next year.

Thoughts?