Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat knows better than anyone else how disappointed he was in his performance last year. Sweat took it to heart and is doing everything he can to avoid it again.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke with the media as he shared Sweat's thoughts on last year and what he did during the offseason to prepare for 2025.
“He was very disappointed with how things went last year, as many of the guys were, but he was here over the springtime, which is something he hadn’t done a lot before, working to get better.”
Ben Johnson on Montez Sweat’s noticeable commitment to having a strong 2025:
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 26, 2025
“He was very disappointed with how things went last year, as many of the guys were, but he was here over the springtime, which is something he hadn’t done a lot before, working to get better.”
Sweat's commitment to improving shows signs of how dangerous he will be in 2025
Last year marked the second-worst performance of Sweat's career as he recorded only 5.5 sacks. He also added 32 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, two pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 16 games.
While Chicago was able to get to the quarterback decently well, the problem with last year's squad is none of them really dominated. Sweat was the leader on the team in sacks and he was no where near close to double digits.
The hope is that this year, with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo from free agency, they will be able to attract more double teams in pass-rushing situations. Even backups like Austin Booker can also help Sweat on the line, as he can take a massive step in 2025.
Sweat can play at a high level as fans have seen in the past. He was a Pro Bowler just in 2023 with the Bears as he became the first player in NFL history to lead the Commanders and Bears in sacks.
Read more: Ben Johnson delivers perfect response to offensive issues at Bears training camp
Bears fans can only be encouraged by the fact that Sweat is working extra hard to improve. It can only mean that he is on his way to a bounce back season to remember.