Chicago Bears and Montez Sweat agree to $98 million extension
In a significant move, the Chicago Bears and their newly acquired edge rusher, Montez Sweat, have reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension worth $98 million, according to a trusted league source. Here are the key details:
- Sweat, aged 27, will receive a remarkable $72.87 million in guaranteed money as part of the overall deal, which amounts to $105 million. These contract details were first reported by NFL Network.
- The Washington Commanders traded Sweat to the Bears at the trade deadline this week in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick. Sweat was in the final year of his rookie contract.
- During the current season, Sweat has showcased his prowess by accumulating 6 1/2 sacks for Washington. Throughout his four-plus seasons with the Commanders, he has amassed an impressive total of 35 1/2 sacks in 67 games.
Implications for the Chicago Bears
General manager Ryan Poles successfully put aside any concerns about his ability to secure the signing of Montez Sweat, despite surrendering a second-round pick. Finalizing this deal ensures that Sweat will not merely be a rental player for the Bears, which would have been the worst-case scenario. Additionally, it leaves open the possibility for the team to use the franchise tag on cornerback Jaylon Johnson, if they wish to do so. Another advantage of reaching an agreement swiftly is the elimination of distractions for both parties. With an average annual salary of $24.5 million, Sweat becomes the fifth-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, trailing only the Bosa brothers, T.J. Watt, and Myles Garrett. He sits just ahead of the Green Bay Packers’ Rashan Gary, who recently signed a new contract.
Chicago Bears’ general manager Ryan Poles described Sweat as a “multiplier,” emphasizing his belief that Sweat’s presence will elevate the performance of the entire defensive front, corners, and safeties. This is precisely what the Bears’ defense requires, both now and in the long term. The organization has made a significant financial commitment, indicating their belief that Sweat possesses the necessary on-field abilities and intangibles to justify the investment. Sweat’s journey begins this Sunday as he makes his debut for the Bears against the New Orleans Saints. — Kevin Fishbain, Bears staff writer
What lies ahead for the Bears?
The Bears also have aspirations of retaining Jaylon Johnson as part of their future plans and are in a favorable position due to the significant amount of salary cap space they possess.
However, earlier this week, Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction with the idea of Sweat securing a new contract with the Bears before he does. Given that Johnson has been with the team since being drafted in the second round in 2020, he believes he deserves priority and has demonstrated his capabilities as one of the premier players in his position this season.
Poles revealed that he was close to re-signing Johnson before the trade deadline, but Johnson subsequently requested a trade. It is worth noting that the Bears never intended to trade Johnson from their roster.
Poles stated on Wednesday, “We remain open to reaching a contract agreement. We will follow Jaylon’s lead in deciding how to proceed, but our door is still open.”
Johnson’s desire to secure a long-term contract with the Bears works in their favor. However, Montez Sweat’s new deal has now been finalized prior to his own. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached, the possibility of utilizing the franchise tag looms for Johnson. — Adam Jahns, Bears senior writer
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(Photo: Eric Hartline / USA Today)
