Former Commanders fan favorite already falling short after massive contract

The Washington Commanders traded Montez Sweat as part of their roster regeneration when Josh Harris' ownership group took charge. The Chicago Bears were only too willing to take the defensive end off their hands for a second-round pick, paying him handsomely almost immediately after.

However, one NFL analyst believes this decision is now coming back to haunt them.

Sweat is a solid professional and a fantastic player when firing on all cylinders. He made the Pro Bowl during his first season in Chicago. That lent hope towards a dominant campaign in 2024, but it never came to fruition.

The Bears struggled, and so did Sweat. He gained just 5.5 sacks and 49 pressures (ranked 28th) last season. That's a decent return. Unfortunately, the former Mississippi State standout's lofty price tag demands much more.

Montez Sweat's extension after Commanders departure coming under increased scrutiny

Lou Scataglia from NFL Spin Zone held a similar opinion. The analyst tabbed Sweat's contract as Chicago's worst entering 2025. He added that the Bears should be expecting more from their hefty investment, especially considering his salary-cap hit stands at $25 million for the next three seasons.

Montez Sweat is a very good player, but I bet you had no idea he's getting paid nearly $25 million per year. Sweat was a trade addition by Bears GM Ryan Poles, and it's not been his best move. In 2024, Sweat played in 16 games and finished with 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and 12 QB hits. While being a DL is more than just pass rush statistics, you absolutely would expect more in this department from a top-paid DE.Lou Scataglia

Sweat is being paid among the league's best pass-rushers. The numbers last season were disappointing, but the Bears aren't giving up on him just yet.

The Bears are being touted as a potential dark horse challenger next season after some outstanding additions and the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson. These loftier expectations place more pressure on established figures like Sweat to produce. And make no mistake, 5.5 sacks is not going to cut it next time around.

As for the Commanders? They used the draft pick acquired from Sweat wisely. However, they still have some grave concerns surrounding their edge-rushing options heading into the 2025 campaign. It was a difficult decision to send the former first-round pick packing, and they've yet to properly replace him.

Trading Sweat was a business decision. He remains missed by those within the organization, but his future in Chicago could get murky if he cannot raise performance levels next season.

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