Chicago Bears and their new defensive end come to an agreement. Montez Sweat: an additional $98 million over four years
Ryan Poles was unwavering in his belief that Montez Sweat would play a significant role for the Chicago Bears in the future, and the defensive end’s new contract materialized swiftly.
Sweat will agree to a four-year agreement worth $98 million, with $73 million guaranteed, prior to playing for the Bears in their Sunday game against New Orleans. The edge rusher’s yearly average of $24.5 million places him in fifth place in the NFL, only behind Rashaan Gary’s four-year, $96 million contract from the Green Bay Packers. Sweat has a contract that expires in 2027.
The Bears would have had the franchise tag available to them after the season, but others opposed the bold move because there was no assurance that Sweat would stay with the team. However, Poles was confident all along that he could offer Sweat a deal that would make him delighted to stay with the company going forward.
With 6 1/2 sacks, Sweat lead the Commanders and is just 2 1/2 sacks shy of his 2020 career-high of nine. Coach Matt Eberflus has relied heavily on blitzing in recent weeks as the Bears have a league-low 10 sacks going into their game against the Saints at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday.
Poles stated on Wednesday, “We see him as a long, fast, explosive, aggressive defensive end that can assist us both in the run and in the pass game.” He really is a multiplier in my opinion. Everyone, including our safeties, corners, and complete defensive line, will be able to play more effectively because to him. Once more, hopefully—we often discuss this—producing stops and turnovers.
On the defensive line, it’s the second transaction this week. On Thursday, the team gave nose tackle Andrew Billings a modest $8.5 million, two-year deal. The Bears improved from 31st against the run to third entering Week 9 of the previous season in part because of Billings.
Now that Sweat has a contract in place, Poles can focus on cornerback Jaylon Johnson, whose contract is coming to an end. The Bears and Johnson’s agent, Chris Ellison, have communicated often in recent weeks. Last weekend, Poles said he believed the parties were getting closer to an agreement, even before Johnson requested permission to pursue a trade.
When Johnson talked on Wednesday, he expressed a desire to be paid before Sweat, but he also seemed open to the idea of continuing with the business. Johnson will only be available for negotiations with the Bears through the second week of March.
