The Chicago Bears have solidified their line of defense by locking down Montez Sweat with a considerable contract extension. Sources indicated on Saturday that the 27-year-old defensive finish has accepted a four-year extension, boosting his monetary prospects with the Bears significantly.
Beneath the brand new contract, Sweat will obtain $98 million, with the overall worth hitting $105 million, which breaks all the way down to a mean of $24.5 million yearly. Of that, a whopping $72.8 million is assured, as detailed by NFL Community insider Ian Rapoport.
Sweat’s journey to the Bears was initiated by a commerce from the Washington Commanders simply earlier than the deadline this previous Tuesday. The Commanders obtained a second-round draft decide for 2024 in return. Beforehand, Sweat was on observe to make $11.5 million from his rookie contract after the Commanders exercised his fifth-year possibility in April of the earlier yr.
Upon Sweat‘s arrival in Chicago, hypothesis a couple of attainable extension was rampant amongst sports activities journalists. In response to inquiries at a information convention on Thursday, Sweat hinted at ongoing discussions: “I am certain my brokers and them are speaking about one thing. Clearly a participant at all times needs to have safety, taking part in the game that we’re taking part in.”
Regardless of his cool demeanor, Sweat revealed a contact of uncertainty in his new environment, sharing with reporters his lack of understanding about even the place he could be sleeping that evening. Sweat’s file with the Commanders was notable, with 35.5 sacks in 67 video games spanning over 4 and a half seasons.
Sweat stated goodbye to the Commanders
As he bid farewell to Washington, Sweat took to social media on Friday with a heartfelt message, displaying appreciation for the franchise that had chosen him with the twenty sixth total decide within the 2019 draft from Mississippi State. He prolonged his because of each followers and former teammates and appeared forward: “I am excited & wanting ahead to what’s to come back.”
This season, Sweat has continued his spectacular efficiency with 21 solo tackles and 6.5 sacks in simply eight video games. His constant file of notching no less than 5 sacks for the previous 5 seasons locations him among the many prime six gamers within the league.
The Bears are poised to reap the rewards of Sweat’s abilities, significantly in an space of want – their cross rush. They presently path within the league with a mere 10 sacks, with no different crew having fewer than 15. Sweat’s addition is predicted to bolster a defensive finish group that has accounted for less than 5 sacks this season.
Followers can anticipate Sweat’s first recreation in a Bears uniform to happen this Sunday after they face off towards the New Orleans Saints, as confirmed by head coach Matt Eberflus. With this deal, the Bears will not be solely gaining a confirmed cross rusher but additionally displaying a dedication to constructing a formidable protection for seasons to come back.
