Don’t Look Now, But The Montez Sweat Trade Is Already Paying Off

It was widely ridiculed when the Chicago Bears traded for Montez Sweat at the end of October. A team as bad as this one had no business buying at the deadline. They needed to keep their future assets. GM Ryan Poles didn’t listen. He felt the Bears needed another decisive talent. He called it a “multiplier.” When it became clear Washington made Sweat available, Poles pounced. After dealing a 2nd round pick to the Commanders, he then made sure to lock up his investment with a four-year contract extension worth $98 million.

That was a clear message: the Bears feel he can be a big part of their defense moving forward. Two games in, and it appears their decision is already paying dividends. Sweat had four pressures and a pass defense on short notice in his debut against the Saints. Then, on Thursday Night four days later, he basically controlled the game with eight pressures and three hits on Bryce Young. His presence allowed Yannick Ngakoue, Rasheem Green, and Justin Jones to collect sacks. He was also instrumental in helping hold Carolina to only 49 yards rushing.

Montez Sweat will be a key piece moving forward.

The Bears defense is better with him. They’ve played well in two games since he arrived. Make no mistake. This unit isn’t complete. They still lack a dynamic interior pass rusher. Until that problem is addressed, this group won’t be able to take the next step. It might also help to get them into a less archaic scheme. Matt Eberflus still doesn’t show much in the way of creativity. In this era of football, it’s hard to play good defense without it. Alas, it’s a problem for another day.

Chicago has ten days off until their next game in Detroit. Montez Sweat will finally have time to take a breath and get acclimated to his new environment. It is already clear the Bears were wise to acquire him. People will whine about his lack of sacks thus far. Let them. Anybody who watched these last two games saw the exact player the organization hoped for. His presence is felt constantly, even when he’s not the one making the impact play. He helps make everyone around him better. Players like that are worth keeping.