For years now, Montez Sweat has been the hero of the Chicago Bears' defensive line. His strength and versatility have kept the unit afloat. Unfortunately, he hasn't had much help.
The Bears have cycled through starters at the other defensive-line positions, failing to find solid solutions. Recent free agent signings like Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett haven't exactly been home runs.
General manager Ryan Poles has the opportunity to right his wrongs this offseason by pairing Sweat with an edge defender who can truly complement his skill set. Jadeveon Clowney could be the perfect signing for Chicago, forming an edge duo capable of saving this defense.
Bears can form superhuman edge duo by pairing Jadeveon Clowney with Montez Sweat in free agency
Clowney might not have had the NFL career that many analysts expected when he was selected first overall back in 2014, but he has become a quality edge rusher capable of elevating any defense. His technically sound run defense and dominant pass rush ability have made him an asset worth paying for.
The 33-year-old has bounced around the league quite a bit, playing for seven different teams in the last eight years, but he doesn't seem to be slowing down. In fact, he's totaled 26 sacks over the last three seasons.
At this point in his career, Clowney is more of a mercenary than a franchise-building block, but his services could still be helpful for a team like the Bears looking to make a championship push. As a rotational player, he has proven that he can boost a team's pass rush.
That's exactly what the Bears need this offseason. Sweat may have had an impressive season in 2025, but he can't be the unit's only consistent source of pressure. It will be crucial to add another threat off the edge, either through free agency or the draft.
Spotrac estimates that Clowney will make about $5.7 million on his next deal. It will likely be a one-year contract, so signing him wouldn't come with much risk. A deal like that is more than worth it for a player who could reach double-digit sacks.
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The Bears already have multiple needs to address this offseason, especially on defense. With limited resources to spend, they'll need to seek out budget-friendly options wherever they can. Clowney could be the perfect solution on the edge, allowing Sweat to step into the full extent of his powers.