Ahead of the NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears strengthen their pass rush by trading for defensive end Montez Sweat.
Hours before the NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears make a splash. With a horrible pass rush, general manager Ryan Poles tries to strengthen it by trading for former Washington Commanders edge rusher Montez Sweat.
In exchange for Sweat, the Bears send a 2024 second-round pick to Washington.
Sweat was the Commanders' first-round pick in 2019. He is on pace to have the best season of his career. In eight games, he has 6.5 sacks, 32 tackles (10 for loss), 11 quarterback hits, and 2 forced fumbles. In his 67-game career, he has 35.5 sacks, 197 tackles (47 for loss), 85 quarterback hits, 11 passes defended, 9 forced fumbles, and an interception.
Those are great numbers for a team that desperately needs to improve its pass rush. They finished last in sacks last season with 20 sacks. This season, they are once again last in sacks, with 10. Additionally, they rank 26th in quarterback knockdown percentage (6.8 percent), 28th in hurry percentage (5 percent), and tied for last in pressure percentage (14.4 percent). Linebacker T.J. Edwards and edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue both lead the team in sacks with just 2 this season.
The lack of a pass rush puts a lot of pressure on the secondary. When the quarterback has all day to throw the ball without getting harassed, he will eventually find an open receiver.
In addition to his pass rushing prowess, Sweat is very good against the run. The Bears made an incredible jump against the run this season. Last season, they ranked 31st in rush defense and last in rushing touchdowns allowed. Having Sweat will improve the rush defense even more.
Does this deal make sense?
It is understandable that the Chicago Bears needed to shore up the pass rush. However, did Poles pull the trigger too soon? He could have waited for the offseason to go after him. Sweat is in the final year of his contract so will be a free agent.
Poles made a big trade at the deadline last year as well. He traded a second-round pick for wide receiver Chase Claypool. That deal blew up in his face as Claypool did nearly nothing on the field and was a cancer in the locker room.
Now Poles is risking having an expensive rental. Sweat could still end up signing elsewhere after the season. However, Poles must feel pretty confident that he can get a deal done.
Chicago is projected to have the highest salary cap space available for the second straight season. At the moment they could have $110 million to spend next offseason. A good chunk of that has to go to Sweat. Poles cannot afford to lose Sweat.
More moves on the horizon?
There could be more moves made by Poles before the 4 PM Eastern deadline. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson, also in the final year of his contract, recently requested a trade after extension talks broke down.
Yet another player about to hit the open market is wide receiver Darnell Mooney. He could also be on the move. Finally, offensive lineman Cody Whitehair could be an attractive piece for a contending team needing to improve their line. He still has another season on his contract but has no more guaranteed money due to him.
It will be an interesting moment as Chicago Bears fans look at the clock and see what their team does.
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