LAKE FOREST, Ill. — One year after trading a second-round pick for wide receiver Chase Claypool, Bears general manager Ryan Poles displayed his aggressiveness once again on Tuesday. This time, he traded Chicago’s 2024 second-round pick to the Washington Commanders for talented edge rusher Montez Sweat, optimizing the Bears’ chances of enhancing their feeble pass rush. Poles thoroughly evaluated the upcoming free agent class and draft class and decided to pay the price to bring Sweat to Chicago. He firmly believes that getting Sweat is a strategic move not only for the short term but also for the long term, as negotiations for a contract extension are already underway.
Instead of waiting for free agency to pursue Sweat, the Bears recognized the value of bringing him to their team immediately. Poles understood that waiting would risk losing opportunities and that the free agent market can change rapidly due to extensions, franchise tags, and other factors. Thus, he capitalized on acquiring Sweat now to solidify the Bears’ pass rush.
While there were rumors of the Bears’ interest in edge rusher Chase Young, the team ultimately focused on securing Sweat. Poles admitted that he didn’t initially think Sweat was available but jumped at the chance when it became apparent that a trade was possible.
This move marks the second consecutive year that Poles has traded away a second-round pick during the trade deadline. Despite learning from the Claypool deal, Poles was determined not to let fear hinder him from pursuing the opportunity to bring Sweat to Chicago.
Sweat has arrived in Chicago and expressed his desire for “security” before considering a long-term future with the team. Poles has already initiated discussions for a contract extension, hoping to reach an agreement in the near future. If necessary, the Bears can utilize the franchise or transition tag on Sweat before the March deadline.
By making this deal, Poles is demonstrating his commitment to building a strong foundation for the Bears’ rebuild. He recognized Sweat’s exceptional talent as an edge rusher and believed that acquiring him was worth the high price. Poles envisions Sweat as an immediate contributor to the team and a critical building block for their future success. However, there is still work to be done to turn this vision into a reality.
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