REPORT: Bears Successfully Ink Montez Sweat To Contract Extension

When the Chicago Bears traded for Montez Sweat earlier this week, GM Ryan Poles got tons of flak. Primarily, it came from the fact he dealt a 2nd round pick for a veteran player on an expiring contract. That meant if Sweat somehow departed next off-season, it would be a catastrophic loss of a valuable asset for the team. Poles, to his credit, didn’t seem bothered. He insisted the team was already in the process of working out an extension. It was only a matter of time. Thankfully, fans won’t have to worry about any drama.

The Bears and Sweat’s agents came to an agreement on Saturday on a four-year deal for $98 million, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

This is a big win for Poles. It ensures Sweat will be a fixture on the Bears’ defense moving forward. They desperately needed a proven pass rush presence, and he is definitely that with 16.5 sacks in his last season and a half. He’ll also be an instant asset in their run defense as well. Though he isn’t the superstar player of a Myles Garrett or Nick Bosa, Sweat makes this team better. Yes, it’s a lot of money. The truth is the Bears can afford it with $110 million in cap space next year.

Montez Sweat deal also benefits the Bears in another way.

With his contract done, Poles is free to focus his time and energy on finding common ground with cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The two sides failed to reach an agreement before the trade deadline and no team was willing to deal for him. The Bears GM remains adamant he wants to work out a long-term contract. Johnson has also said his primary goal is staying in Chicago. So, the door is still very much open. Poles has plenty of time before free agency next March. However, if things don’t progress as hoped, they now have the freedom to franchise tag him.

The bottom line is the Bears are a better team now and in the immediate future with Montez Sweat on the roster. He’s a freak of nature with 6’6 size, long arms, loads of power, and disruptive quickness. Matt Eberflus should be able to move him all across the defensive line, exploiting potential matchups. He will also make life easier for new teammates like Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker. While the Bears defensive line won’t magically become great, they should take a step in the right direction.