The Chicago Bears have bolstered their defensive line in a huge way with the trade for Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat, according to several NFL insiders.
As far as compensation goes, the Bears are sending a 2024 second-round pick to the Commanders in the trade for Sweat. And considering Chicago’s struggling record, it could very well be another high second-round pick.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears and Commanders have “been in talks for some time” where both Sweat and Chase Young were discussed. Brad Biggs reported earlier that Chicago was close to adding help at edge rusher.
With Sweat in the last year of his contract, the Bears will need to sign him to an extension. The good news is Chicago is slated to have $110 million in salary cap space in 2024.
Trade: Commanders and Bears have agreed to a trade that is expected to send DE Montez Sweat to the Chicago for a 2024 second-round pick, per sources. Sweat is in the last year of his contract, and the Commanders are opting for a draft pick now. Chicago beefs up its line. pic.twitter.com/Hd7jtqDtWY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2023
In eight games this season with Washington, Sweat has totaled 32 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 11 QB hits, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup.
Sweat’s 6.5 sacks through the first eight games is the same amount of sacks that Chicago has as an entire defensive line. So it’s easy to see why the Bears made the move.