LAKE FOREST, Ill. (104.3 The Score) — Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat understands the consequences of his failed performance-enhancing substance test go well beyond the two-game suspension that he recently served.
Sweat is one of the Bears' highest-paid players and one of the most important players on their defense. He has been productive but also inconsistent over four seasons with Chicago. After Sweat was hit with a two-game suspension earlier in October, his underwhelming performance shifted into the spotlight.
What's more is that Sweat's suspension will cost him guarantees in his four-year, $98-million deal with the Bears, a contract that expires after the 2027 season.
"I take everything that comes with it," Sweat said Tuesday. "The only thing I can do now is move forward and continue to play."
Scrutiny will follow for Sweat as he presses forward. He has two sacks in five games this season and 23.5 sacks over 47 games with the Bears. Sweat earned Pro Bowl recognition in 2023, when he was acquired by Chicago just ahead of the midseason trade deadline. He led both the Bears and Commanders in sacks that season.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson has been a supporter of Sweat during their time together, calling the 2025 season the best of Sweat's career. But Johnson's disappointment was clear when the suspension was levied by the NFL.
On Tuesday, Sweat declined to provide details on what substance he used that violated league policy. He confirmed he didn't appeal the suspension.
"It's definitely something I got to live with my career," Sweat said. "I never want to cheat the game, and I would never do it intentionally, but what happened happened and I'm moving forward.
"I take the responsibility full upon myself. It was nothing with the nutritional staff here or the training staff here. It was things I was doing on my own. Yeah, take that on the chin and move forward."
The Bears won both of their games in Sweat's absence. With Sweat out, nickelback Kyler Gordon stepped up with four sacks in two games. Reserves like Daniel Hardy, James Lynch and Jamree Kromah also had more opportunities in the defensive line rotation.
The Bears certainly believe they have a better defense when Sweat is present. They were eager to welcome him back.
"He's a freak of nature," Bears defensive tackle Neville Gallimore said. "His ability to get to the quarterback, be disruptive, I'm sure other teams, that's someone they got to prepare for. You get a guy like that back in the mix, it adds that much more value to our defense. So, looking forward to seeing him get back to doing what he does best."
Ultimately, Sweat will be judged closely by how he performs. The Bears are 5-2 on the season and set to play visit the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks (4-3) on Monday.
The Bears are a playoff-caliber team with championship aspirations, but their defense needs a significant boost. That's what Sweat has provided at times in the past, and he wants to be a consistent force.
Sweat knows the best way to change the perception of his mistake is to play at a high level for the Bears.
“(Prove) that I’m still the player that I am," Sweat said. "One positive (test) in my career doesn’t define my career.
“I’m really in a good place right now. It’s kind of just behind me."
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
