Chicago Bears, DE Montez Sweat finalizing monster four-year, $98M contract extension

The Chicago Bears and newly-acquired defensive end Montez Sweat are finalizing a massive contract extension. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on the news Saturday.

Per the report, the two sides have agreed to a massive four-year deal, worth $98 million. Sweat will receive $72.865 million in guaranteed money. The total deal is worth $105 million.

New #Bears edge Montez Sweat has agreed to a massive 4-year extension, worth $98,000,000 in new money (24.5m apy). Getting $72,865,360 guaranteed. Deal done by @KlutchSports Damarius Bilbo & Kelton Crenshaw. Total deal is $105m. pic.twitter.com/Gt20vqKqrc

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 4, 2023

The Washington Commanders traded Sweat to Chicago just ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The defensive end is in his fifth NFL season, having spent the first four-and-a-half years in Washington.

Sweat is a former first-round selection out of Mississippi State.

Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter explained what all went into the decision to trade Sweat to Chicago.

“Commanders have invested heavily in their defensive line, extending Jonathan Allen (4 years, $72M) and Daron Payne (4 years, $90M), and also have former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young in the final year of his deal,” Schefter said on X. “All that played a role in agreeing to deal Montez Sweat to Chicago.”

In his career, Sweat has tallied 197 tackles, 35.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and an interception. Through half a season with Washington, he accounted for 32 stops, 6.5 sacks and forced a pair of fumbles.

Commanders also traded Chase Young

The Commanders not only traded Sweat this week, they also moved Chase Young to the 49ers. It was a big week in Washington, to say the least.

Young, the No. 2 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, is in his fourth NFL season. He had spent the entire time in Washington until the trade news broke on Tuesday. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news.

In return, the Commanders will receive a third-round pick in the NFL Draft. This is a huge move for the 49ers, one that shows just how serious the organization is about making a run at this year’s Super Bowl.

Young made a huge splash during his rookie season. The former Ohio State standout was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after totaling 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a touchdown.

Since then, Young’s time on the field has been limited due to injuries. He played in nine games in 2021 and just three games last year. The defensive end has played in seven of the Commanders’ eight games this year. Young has accounted for 15 tackles and five sacks.