LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – New Bears pass rusher Montez Sweat hadn't even stepped into the locker room inside Halas Hall or selected his jersey number before the conversation surrounding his contract future began Wednesday.
The Bears acquired the 27-year-old Sweat from the Commanders on Tuesday in exchange for a second-round pick. It was a significant investment made by general manager Ryan Poles, one with the Bears' long-term future in mind – even as Sweat plays in the final year of his rookie contract.
Sweat and the Bears are working on a contract extension, Poles said Wednesday afternoon. His comments came after Sweat had spoken earlier and explained that he needs to conduct his due diligence before making a decision.
"I just want to consider everything around me before I make a decision,” Sweat said.
Poles believes a deal will get done.
"I feel really confident that we can get a deal done," Poles said.
The Bears' acquisition of Sweat marked the second consecutive year that Poles gave up a second-round pick in a trade on deadline day. One year ago Wednesday, Chicago landed receiver Chase Claypool from Pittsburgh in exchange for a second-round pick. That selection became the No. 32 overall slot in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Claypool played in 10 games for the Bears, recording just 18 receptions with the team. He was traded to the Dolphins in early October for a minimal return after making critical comments about the coaching staff.
A first-round pick of Washington in 2019, Sweat has 35.5 sacks over 67 games across five NFL seasons. He has 6.5 sacks in eight games this season. As a team, the Bears have 10 sacks over eight games.
“What’s unique about him is that he’s one heck of a pass rusher," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said of Sweat. "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. 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.”
Sweat believes he’ll play Sunday when the Bears (2-6) visit the Saints (4-4) at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.