The most impactful trade this season ahead of the deadline in the NFL was the Chicago Bears acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. It was the second consecutive year in which the Bears traded away a second-round pick ahead of the deadline, but this time things panned out much better.
Last year, Chicago acquired wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers. That trade ended up being disastrous as the Bears received virtually zero production from Claypool, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins not even a year later.
Montez Sweat, however, was very impactful for Chicago. He signed a four-year, $98 million extension with $72.9 million guaranteed. It was a deal that the former first-round pick earned with his performance on the field.
In nine games with the Bears, Montez Sweat racked up a team-high 6.0 sacks. His presence helped them turn things around instantly on defense, as Chicago had one of the better units from the trade deadline through the end of the regular season.
NFL News & Rumors: Montez Sweat & Chicago Bears Updates
Leading a team in sacks after playing only half of the season is quite an impressive feat. Leading two teams in sacks in the same season, which Montez Sweat did, is a record-setting one.
According to ESPN Insider Field Yates, Montez Sweat is the first player in NFL history to lead two different teams in sacks during the same season. In his eight games with the Commanders, he registered 6.5 sacks, which ended up being the most on their team in 2023 as well.
Montez Sweat is locked in as a cornerstone piece for the Bears’ defense moving forward. Not only is he excellent at getting after the quarterback, he is also a stout run defender, setting the edge well and grading out with one of the better run defense grades at the position.
If the Bears can find another pass rusher to pair with him this offseason, it will take their defense to another level in the 2024 season.
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