Chicago Bears offer edge defender Montez Sweat a 4-year $105M deal just days after the Washington Commanders traded him for a second-round pick in the 2024 draft.
On Tuesday, Montez Sweat was walking to the practice field when he found out he was traded to the Bears. Just 24 hours later, Sweat made his first statement after passing his physical stating, "I'm grateful, blessed, happy to be here."
Now, the Bears and Sweat have reached a 4-year extension deal worth $105M with almost $73M guaranteed, earning him more than $24M a year.
Sweat was drafted by the Commanders in the first round (26th overall) in the 2019 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he recorded eight tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles.
During the 2020-2022 seasons, Sweat has recorded 22 sacks, 27 tackles for a loss, 5 forced fumbles, and one INT returned for a touchdown.
The Bears, sitting at 2-6, seem to have long-term goals in mind; shore up some defense during the rest of the season and use the draft to re-build their offense.
Of Sweat, Bears' GM, Ryan Poles said, "We expect him to come here and help our entire team get better." We see him as a long, fast, explosive, relentless defensive end that can help us both in the run and in the pass game, and really, I see him as a multiplier. He's going to allow everyone to play better; our entire defensive front, our corners, our safeties."
It is unknown whether Sweat will start against New Orleans this Sunday.
--Alice Wells