Jets might have just gifted the Bears a perfect Montez Sweat compliment

Last season, the Chicago Bears walked away from the NFL trade deadline having acquired pass rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders.

All it took was a second-round pick, and Chicago's defense was turned around thanks to the energy one particular player brought. Sweat elevated the entire unit. There was immediate belief. The results were evident from Sweat's first game.

Now, the Bears enter the 2024 season without a proven starter opposite of Sweat. It's one of the only real holes on the roster, but maybe, just maybe, Ryan Poles knew what he was doing by waiting until the last minute.

The New York Jets once traded a third-round pick for Philadelphia Eagles pass rusher Haason Reddick earlier in the offseason, and although Reddick has yet to play a down for New York, it appears his time is already up. Monday, Reddick formally requested a trade.

Reddick has long-wanted a new contract as he enters the final year of his current deal, but the Jets have not given it to him.

Can the Bears afford to trade for Haason Reddick?

Reddick has $14.25 million left on his current contract which runs out after the 2024 campaign. The veteran is set to turn 30 years old in September, but is in the thick of his prime. He's ended with double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons, regardless of what team he's played for (Arizona, Carolina or Philadelphia).

Two Pro Bowls in a row and a rising salary cap should equal a new deal, right? Maybe Poles would agree.

And, maybe Poles saw this coming.

Remember when the Bears extended wide receiver D.J. Moore a couple of weeks ago? One detail that might have gotten lost in the shuffle is the fact that Moore's 2024 cap number was reduced to just $7.2 million, leaving the Bears with over $21 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.

So, the short answer is, yes, the Bears can absolutely afford to trade for Reddick.

On the long-term, Chicago can still afford to give Reddick an extension. The Bears are projected to have almost $40 million in cap space for 2025, but that's before any additional cuts. Look ahead to 2026, and Chicago is at nearly $120 million in cap space.

There is certainly flexibility here, and for a cap that will continue to rise, the Bears have more than enough money to work with.

Will the Jets agree to trade Haason Reddick?

One last part of the equation is, of course, the Jets' willingness to trade their pass rusher. As of right now, it doesn't appear New York will cooperate.

Now, this is becoming more of a clown show in New York. Blame whichever side you choose, but it seems the best road for New York will be to simply cut their losses and part ways with Reddick.

If the Bears are able to offer New York that same third-round pick they gave up to begin with, why wouldn't the Jets agree to something like that? The man does not want to play for an organization if they don't believe in him on a long-term basis.

Therefore, it's time for Ryan Poles to make his move.

Maybe, the Jets will back down and move on.