When the Chicago Bears brought in Montez Sweat via trade in 2023, they were hoping to have one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL. While Sweat has played well, it hasn't been quite what the Bears were hoping for.
Sweat is currently on the second year of his four-year contract with the Chicago Bears. His average salary is at $24.5 million per year. A contract that not everyone is a big fan of.
FanSided writer Lou Scataglia examined each NFL team's worst contracts. Scataglia is not a fan of the Bears' contract with Sweat.
"Montez Sweat is a very good player, but I bet you had no idea he's getting paid nearly $25 million per year. Sweat was a trade addition by Bears GM Ryan Poles, and it's not been his best move. In 2024, Sweat played in 16 games and finished with 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 12 QB hits. While being a DL is more than just pass rush statistics, you absolutely would expect more in this department from a top-paid DE."
Sweat has not lived up to his contract...or has he?
Sweat has appeared in 25 games for the Bears over the last year and a half. He has 26 quarterback hits and 11.5 sacks in that span.
Back in 2019, he was a first round pick of the Washington Commanders and got off to a strong start. He had 35.5 sacks in 67 games with Washington. His best season came in 2023 when he played for both the Commanders and Bears with 12.5 sacks and became the first player in NFL history to lead two teams in sacks.
While the stats show a disappointing year in 2024 for Sweat, he makes more of an impact than some might think. Most NFL teams know how good Sweat can be so he attracts more attention for double teams which opens the door for other players on the defense to get to the quarterback.
Last year might not have been as big of a deal as it's just one season, but expectations will be higher this year. The Bears need him to rack up more sacks and be the pass rusher they saw in him two years ago.
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Chicago gave Sweat some help with the defensive line with Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett getting added in free agency. The Bears selected Shemar Turner in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
These additional pieces to the defensive line should open up more opportunities for Sweat to be let loose. Another season with under six sacks though and it might be time to hit the panic button and wonder if he is worth the nearly $25 million the team is paying him.