Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears' Montez Sweat makes NFL history in unexpected way

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 1/7/24

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat made some history during the 2023 NFL season when he became the first player to ever lead two different teams in sacks in the same season. Sweat finished the year with 12.5 sacks overall, recording six with the Washington Commanders in the first half of the season and then 6.5 with the Chicago Bears following a trade.

Both totals were the top number for the respective teams.

Montez Sweat became the first player in NFL history to lead two different teams in sacks during the same season.

He posted 6.5 for the Commanders and 6.0 for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/bVKQSjBxWW
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 8, 2024

The Commanders moved Sweat to Chicago at the NFL trade deadline for a second-round draft pick out of fear they would not be able to re-sign him after the season. The Bears quickly locked him up to a longterm deal after the trade.

Justin Jones was second on the Bears with 4.5 sacks, a number that Sweat was able to overcome in half of a season. Meanwhile, following his trade from Washington nobody was able to overtake the lead he created for himself. Jonathan Allen with 5.5 got the closest.

Sweat figures to be a key part of the Bears' rebuild and their defense did significantly improve following his arrival.

More must-reads: