Ryan Poles' decision to swiftly pay Montez Sweat continues to look like a big brain move for the Bears

As expected, the edge market has exploded this offseason in the NFL following a multitude of massive deals signed in free agency and the Chicago Bears have continued to have a big smile as the madness keeps unfolding.

When the Bears traded for and extended defensive end Montez Sweat during the 2023 season, many were weary about the massive contract given to the team's new star. Flash forward to now, Bears' general manager Ryan Poles looks like an absolute genius for getting Sweat's deal done in a timely manner before the market skyrocketed.

Let's be clear about one thing, Sweat's deal was handsomely and rightfully paid, it's just the timing of the deal that has worked out best for both sides. Sweat's deal with the Bears was the biggest contract of his NFL career, giving him generational money while the Bears looked to invest in a player clearly in the team's long term plans.

When the Bears first agreed to the new four-year deal with Sweat back in November, his contract ranked 5th among all edge rushers in annual value and fourth in total guarantees. Here's how the positional spending looked at that time.

Edge Market Following Sweat's Extension:

Annual Value
1. Nick Bosa: $34 million 
2. T.J. Watt: $28 million
3. Joey Bosa: $27 million (has since taken a pay cut)
4. Myles Garrett: $25 million
5. Montez Sweat: $24.5 million
6. Rashan Gary: $24 million

Guaranteed Money1. Nick Bosa - $122.5 million
2. Myles Garrett - $100 million
3. T.J. Watt - $80 million
4. Montez Sweat - $72.9 million
5. Bradley Chubb - $63.2 million

Not even five months later, that list has completely changed following the massive contracts signed by Brian Burns, Danielle Hunter, and now Josh Allen this offseason. Here's how what that list looks like following Allen's new extension earlier today.

Updated Edge Market Following Allen's Extension:

Annual Value
1. Nick Bosa - $34 million
2. Josh Allen - $30 million
3. Brian Burns - $28.2 million
4. T.J. Watt - $28 million
5. Myles Garrett - $25 million
6. Danielle Hunter - $24.5 million
7. Montez Sweat - $24.5 million

Guaranteed Money
1. Nick Bosa - $122.5 million
2. Myles Garrett - $100 million
3. Josh Allen - $88 million
4. Brian Burns - $87.5 million
5. T.J. Watt - $80 million
6. Montez Sweat - $72.9 million

As you can see, Sweat is already rapidly falling down the list of the highest paid edge rushers in the league and will continue to do so as more top edge rushers look to get paid in the coming months.

By the time the next offseason rolls around and Sweat plays a full season as a leader in Chicago, his deal will look like an absolute bargain for the Bears' front office. It only took nine games for Sweat to become the Bears' leader in sacks last season, imagine what kind of impact he will have next season under the same scheme. 

That's not even mentioning the possibility of another top edge joining him on the defensive line that could be added in the 2024 NFL Draft later this month.

The extension was a bold move to make at the time without seeing what Sweat would turn into with the Bears, but it's a decision that has already paid off in a big way.