Bears Swap Second-Round Pick for Montez Sweat in Trade with Commanders

The Commanders and Bears have agreed to a trade that involves sending defensive end Montez Sweat to Chicago in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.

This trade is still pending as Sweat needs to pass a physical examination.

“Montez is an incredibly valuable addition to our team,” said Bears general manager Ryan Poles, as quoted on the team’s website. “Not only is he a fantastic player, but he’s also a great person. We have high expectations for him in terms of improving our defense.”

Sweat is currently in the final year of his contract with the Commanders. By trading him now, instead of waiting for him to potentially sign elsewhere as a free agent next year, Washington will receive a draft pick.

Sources have informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Commanders have also traded defensive end Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers for a third-round pick.

The addition of Sweat brings much-needed talent to the Bears’ struggling pass rush halfway through the season. Ahead of the 2023 season, Chicago made significant changes to its defensive line, replacing three of the four starters through free agency and using early draft picks on defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. Despite these efforts, the Bears currently have the fewest sacks (10) and rank 30th in pressures (46) in the NFL.

Through eight games this season, Sweat has recorded 6.5 sacks, bringing his career total to 35.5 sacks over five seasons.

Chicago’s 2024 second-round pick is currently at No. 35 in the draft. Last year, at the 2022 trade deadline, the Bears traded away their own second-round pick to acquire wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Claypool played 10 games for the Bears before being traded to the Miami Dolphins after Week 5.

For the Commanders, this trade is a reflection of their losing record and the challenges of maintaining a strong defensive line. Sweat and Young will both become free agents after this season. In recent years, Washington has already invested in big contracts for defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

During the offseason, Washington expressed interest in extending Sweat’s contract. However, due to ownership changes and other factors, contract discussions did not progress. The Commanders had also indicated to Young that they would reward him if he had a productive season.

Despite the high-cost defensive line, Washington’s defense has not been as productive as desired. The team is tied for sixth in the league with 25 sacks but ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate. Among defensive linemen, Young ranks fifth in this category, but none of his teammates rank in the top 55.

Sweat was selected by Washington with the 26th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. The team acquired this pick when they traded back into the first round.

Since becoming a full-time starter, Sweat has consistently been productive, although he hasn’t exceeded nine sacks in a single season. He is one of only seven players who have accumulated at least five sacks in each of the past five seasons, alongside Chris Jones, Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Khalil Mack, Maxx Crosby, and Brian Burns, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

In addition to his pass-rushing abilities, Sweat is also known for his strong run defense and durability. Despite missing time in 2021 due to a broken jaw, COVID, and personal reasons, Sweat has not missed a game in his other four seasons.