Although the Chicago Bears are 2-6 and not likely to make any sort of run at the postseason, the organization continues to add talented playmakers on both sides of the field.
At the NFL trade deadline, the Bears decided to send a 2024 second-round pick to the Washington Commanders in exchange for defensive end Montez Sweat.
Sweat was one of the most popular names rumored to be moved at the deadline, and Washington couldn’t pass up a Day 2 pick for the edge rusher who was unlikely to re-sign with the team.
Sweat is currently in the last year of his rookie deal and was in line for a massive pay raise, a commitment that the Commanders apparently were not willing to make.
However, Chicago didn’t seem to mind the looming contract negotiation with Sweat as they try to stockpile talent in order to accelerate their rebuild.
Just days after acquiring Sweat, the Bears are giving him a massive four-year, $98 million extension that prompted reactions from the fanbase via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
New #Bears edge Montez Sweat has agreed to a massive 4-year extension worth $98M in new money — $24.5M average per year. He gets $72,865,360 guaranteed with the total deal being worth $105M.
The deal was done by @KlutchSports agents Damarius Bilbo & Kelton Crenshaw. pic.twitter.com/aRQQdGROZZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 4, 2023
So basicaly he got ALL the bags
— Renaissance Man (@Billsfandiehard) November 4, 2023
Wowzers
— Much Wow! (@MuchWow_X) November 4, 2023
Big news! 👏🏾👏🏾
— Teddy Truman 🧸 (@iamteddyxbear) November 4, 2023
Love it!
— Jordan Rains🎙️Niche Podcast Host | Dad (@50shadesofdrunk) November 4, 2023
It’s quite the commitment from Chicago considering Sweat has yet to debut for the team, though it speaks to their aggressiveness when trying to get back into the NFC playoff picture.
In eight games with the Commanders, Sweat recorded 32 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
That sort of production off the edge will be a massive boost for the Bears who have taken a massive step back defensively.
It remains to be seen how well Sweat will adjust to his new team, but Chicago is banking on him elevating them in the short-term.
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