(670 The Score) Just as general manager Ryan Poles envisioned, the Bears quickly got a contract extension done with newly acquired edge rusher Montez Sweat.
Four days after the 27-year-old Sweat joined Chicago in a trade, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Bears, the team confirmed Saturday evening. The deal is worth up to $98 million in new money, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported. The deal also includes $72.8 million guaranteed, according to the report. Sweat was playing in the final year of his contract.
The Bears sent the Commanders a second-round pick in exchange for Sweat, who will immediately bolster a pass rusher that’s been a glaring weakness for Chicago across the past two seasons. Sweat has 6.5 sacks in eight games this season. As a team, the Bears have 10 sacks in eight games.
“What’s unique about him is that he’s one heck of a pass rusher, but he also – talking to the guys that have played against him in the building and just watching his tape – he’s a really good run player and plays with a great motor,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said of Sweat. “He’s a great practice player, just talking to the guys that have been with him. He’s going to fit right into our culture in terms of working, and your best players got to be your hardest workers.”
The Bears getting a contract done with Sweat was crucial not just because it locked down a foundational piece for their defense on a long-term deal. It also means they can preserve the franchise tag to use on top cornerback Jaylon Johnson if they need to this offseason. Johnson requested a trade last Monday night, but the Bears retained him as the deadline passed Tuesday afternoon. The sides have failed to come to terms on the type of long-term contract extension that Johnson seeks. The Bears could potentially use the franchise tag to retain him on a lucrative one-year deal in 2024 if negotiations continue to stall.
Sweat is set to make his Bears debut Sunday, when Chicago (2-6) visits the New Orleans Saints (4-4) at the Superdome. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.