The Chicago Bears have already been eliminated from playoff contention, and there is tons of rumors already about what may happen in the off season for quarterback Justin Fields. They also have the first overall pick in the draft via the Carolina Panthers and should be able to make a lot of moves in the off season to be very competitive next year.
In a year to forget for Chicago, they made a crucial move that has given a player a first, in NFL History. In the middle of the year Chicago traded for star defensive player Montez Sweat. The former first round pick was having his best year so far at age 27 and he made the change from the Commanders to Chicago in the middle of the season. Sweat was very happy when he got traded as he was quoted in his first press conference with the team saying:
“I’m grateful, blessed, happy to be here,” said Sweat, “I’m just happy to be here and ready to get to work.”
Chicago Bears Get Lucky Adding Montez Sweat
After trading for Sweat for a second round pick, he has done nothing but continue his amazing year, and now he has done something that has never been done before in NFL history. Sweat, at the present moment in time is leading two teams in sacks on the year for both teams he has played for. Sweat has 6.5 sacks in his time with the Commanders this season, and it doesn’t look like anyone on their team will catch him.
He has 6 sacks with his new team Chicago and he should also finish the season leading them in that stat category as well. Sweat agreed to a four-year, $98 million contract extension after he arrived in Chicago. They knew that they had a special defensive player in Sweat and they locked him up now for years to come as they should.
This record may stay with Sweat for a very long time to come as it is so rare to be able to lead one team in sacks every year let alone be traded and then go ahead and lead your second team in the stat as well. While Sweat went from one of the worst teams in the league to another bad team, the Bears at least have a lot to look forward to with the years to come.
There are many moves they can make in the offseason and they have decide what they are going to do at the quarterback position. Having Sweat to lead the defense though, is a great start to having a competitive team going forward.
Commanders sack leader this season:
Montez Sweat 6.5Bears sack leader this season:
Montez Sweat 6.0 pic.twitter.com/WfWAMsoM9K— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 27, 2023
