LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Long after the final whistle Sunday evening at Lambeau Field and then again Monday morning back at Halas Hall, Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat wanted to say goodbye to his teammates before they headed their separate ways for the offseason.
Sweat arrived at Halas Hall on Nov. 1, one day after a trade sent him from Washington to Chicago. He quickly made an instant impact for the Bears on the field and became a beloved figure in the locker room. The 27-year-old Sweat views the Bears as a close team, and he credited that in part to head coach Matt Eberflus, whose job status with the organization remains uncertain.
As Bears management ponders the team's future, Sweat is among those inside the locker room who hope Eberflus will return for a third season in Chicago.
"He's smart, he's innovative, he listens to us players," Sweat said. "He trusts his gut, and he trusts his players. I'd love to see Flus back."
On Monday, Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles were conducting structured exit interviews with players. The meetings were set to be held in 10-minute periods throughout the course of the day. On Sunday, Eberflus wouldn't say whether he has received assurances about his own future and admitted he may not receive clarity until the middle of the week.
Sweat had a strong 2023 season, recording a career-high 12.5 sacks. He had 6.0 sacks with the Bears and 6.5 with the Commanders. He led both teams in sacks, becoming the first player in NFL history to do so for two teams in a single season.
The Bears finished 7-10 and believe they can take the next step forward in the 2024 season.
"There's definitely a foundation here that we're building upon," Sweat said.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
