Confirmed deal : Montez Sweat feels “refreshed” to face former team ahead of Commanders game Montez Sweat feels “refreshed” to face former team ahead of Commanders game
LAKE FOREST, Ill., — Landover, Maryland will feel like familiar territory for Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat when the Monsters of the Midway take on the 5-2 Washington Commanders on Sunday. Prior to joining the Bears via trade midway through last season, Sweat spend his first five years with the Commanders and racked up an impressive resume in his tenure there. Sweat recorded 35.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles since being drafted by Washington in 2019, and his impact was felt immediately on the Bears defensive line when he was traded to Chicago, something that Bears head coach Matt Eberflus dubbed the “Tez Effect”.
Sweat has contributed to a much improved effort from the defensive line in 2024 than last year, which has played a key role in the Bears’ 4-2 start to the season. On paper, the Commanders figure to be one of their toughest opponents yet, which Sweat addressed to the media on Thursday.
“I’m feeling refreshed,” Sweat said when asked how he feels facing his former team. “It’s going to be good to go back and see some of the guys that I got drafted to and created some great relationships with. It’s going to be good just being back in the stadium.”
Sweat’s midseason trade last season sent shockwaves through the league, as Bears general manager Ryan Poles traded away a second round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft to acquire the then 27-year old pass rusher. The move bolstered a Bears defensive front that had struggled mightily to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but left Sweat feeling hurt by the Commanders parting ways with him so suddenly.
“I think like any other player would be, they would be a little offended,” Sweat admitted when asked if he took offense to Washington trading him midseason last year. “but it’s a business and I understand what comes with that. I was offended, but I didn’t take it personal.”
Despite the sudden and unexpected change of scenery, Sweat has thoroughly enjoyed his time being in Chicago. Four days after being traded, Sweat inked a a four-year contract extension worth $98 million, including $72 million guaranteed. At the conclusion of the 2023 season, Sweat also earned the first Pro Bowl nod of his career, which is positive that he reflected on when asked by the media on Thursday.
“I don’t know, man, there are many factors involved,” Sweat replied when asked he likes most about being traded to the Bears. “I went to the Pro Bowl, I got paid. There were a couple things that fell into that, but I think I’m happy just being somewhere that I’m wanted, being at a place where they want me to be and I’ve got a spot.”
