The Chicago Bears sorely needed pass rush help. GM Ryan Poles has made it clear he’s not above making aggressive moves. That became true yet again as he shipped a 2nd round pick to the Washington Commanders for veteran defensive end Montez Sweat. Everybody knew the 27-year-old would be a free agent in 2024. Washington was ready to move him and found a buyer. Sweat fits what the Bears like. He’s big, long, and powerful. He’s been their most consistent edge rusher for the past two seasons. Now he’ll hopefully continue that in Chicago.
Sweat has morphed into an excellent player over the past two seasons. In his last 25 games, he’s produced 14.5 sacks and 39 quarterback hits. He’s had more production than the entire Bears defensive line combined. While losing a high 2nd round pick stings, it’s hardly crippling. Poles knows he has two 1st round picks next year. There is also a possibility he gets something back for Jaylon Johnson in another trade. Sweat makes them better right now and should be able to keep playing well for the next four or five years. They should also have more than enough cap space to extend him.
The Chicago Bears got a good player.
People talk about how this team hasn’t been getting good players lately. Well, they got one now. Sweat is a force. He’s big, powerful, athletic, and long. He fits everything this regime wants in a defensive lineman. There is no question his presence will make life easier for guys like Yannick Ngakoue, DeMarcus Walker, and Justin Jones. If this team wants to win some games down the stretch, they have to start putting more heat on the quarterback. The game in Los Angeles on Sunday night was an ugly reminder of how bad their situation was.
Also, don’t forget the added bonus of Sweat being a high-graded run defender. It’s something he rarely got credit for in Washington. He is a complete player with outstanding ability. The Chicago Bears needed somebody who could squeeze the pocket consistently every week. Sweat can do that. Maybe if the Bears can somehow work something out with Johnson to keep him in the secondary, this defense has become significantly better in the space of mere minutes.
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