The Chicago Bears trade a 2024 second-round pick for Commanders pass rusher Montez Sweat ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline on October 31.
The Bears were buyers for the second year in a row under GM Ryan Poles as they brought in Montez Sweat this year and Chase Claypool last year. Now, hopefully, the Bears can make better use of Montez Sweat than they did out of Chase Claypool, but it’s a steep price to pay for a player. Sure, Sweat is one of the league’s best pass rushers, and he is worth the pick, but only if the Bears opt to keep him and sign him to an extension after the year. Currently, Sweat is entering the last year of his rookie deal, and he is likely seeking a deal that will put him at the top (or near there) of pass rushers. His deal will probably go for $15-$18 million per year, and don’t get me wrong, Sweat’s performance is deserving of every penny, but the fact of the matter is that Sweat is allowed to test out free agency and doesn’t have to resign with the Bears.
Now, unless he wants all Bears fans to dislike this trade, Ryan Poles better make every effort to resign Sweat before another team does. Especially at this point in the year, where the Bears sit at 2-6 with one of the worst records in the league (again)! You better not make him just a “rental” piece for this year alone. Sure, the Bears could have brought in Sweat in free agency, but Ryan Poles announced his concerns about missing out on a contract with Sweat in free agency.
“It’s hard to put a timeline on it, but I’m hoping it won’t take too long,” Poles said. “I feel really confident that we can get a deal done.”
Ryan Poles better be sure to sign Sweat to an extension because he is a great piece to have on this team, but not just for the rest of this year.
