Just before the weekend hit, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles got some heavy lifting done within his own roster.
It was announced that the Bears had restructured the contracts of three players: guard Joe Thuney, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards. The moves, altogether, created about $17 million in cap space.
Per Over the Cap, the Bears were previously in the red by $12 million. So, this gives them a little breathing room. However, there might be a reason for Poles to keep going with these types of moves.
And, it's pretty simple.
The Arizona Cardinals could have a situation with Pro Bowl defensive end Josh Sweat.
Ryan Poles could land Josh Sweat if the Bears restructured just 2 more players
Sweat's name has been in the rumor mill for quite some time now, even after just one season with Arizona. There was briefly a little smoke to the idea that Sweat could end up heading to the Green Bay Packers in a trade. As we've since found out, that thought was shut down.
How funny would it be for the Bears to go out and make that move happen?
The math is pretty easy. Sweat's cap hit for 2026 is just under $17 million. With the Bears sitting right around $5 million in cap space, after the trio of restructures, Poles would only need to do the same with two more players in order to absorb Sweat's deal.
Player Name | Cap Space Saved w/ Restructure |
|---|---|
Grady Jarrett | $6.6 million |
Jaylon Johnson | $6.9 million |
Montez Sweat | $9.8 million |
Restructuring the deals of two of Grady Jarrett, Jaylon Johnson and/or Montez Sweat would be enough cap space opened to go out and trade for (Josh) Sweat.
Last season, Sweat notched 12.0 sacks with an abysmal Cardinals team. Speaking of just how bad that team was and is, Arizona isn't expected to compete for anything beyond a top-5 draft pick in 2026.
Last year, Sweat went out and got the most money he could as a free agent. Now, he could have leverage in asking for a trade with the Cardinals officially being a bottom feeder.
Next spring, the Cardinals will likely want to go all-in on a franchise quarterback and will be able to use all the draft capital they can possibly come by. Let's say the Bears offered the Cardinals a third-round pick in exchange for Sweat.
That seems both ideal and fair for each side. Plus, it gives Sweat the chance to compete with a winning team once again (he previously played with the Philadelphia Eagles for the first seven years of his career).
At 29 years old, Sweat is right at that age where he's likely at his peak in terms of production and performance.
The Bears' need for more talent up front is still obvious to everybody not named Dennis Allen. This is a move you make if you're Poles.
Read more: Why Ben Johnson is right (and experts are wrong) about Bears' top 3 pass catchers
Just two more restructures and a simple trade offer could be what pushes this team into being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
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