Washington Commanders trade Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears in a win-win move for all parties

2T28H37 Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) works during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Atlanta. The Washington Commanders won 24-16. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)

The Washington Commanders traded edge defender Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, a rare win-win-win trade where everybody makes out well.

The Commanders will receive a second-round pick in return, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Helpful links

PFF's Mock Draft Simulator | 2024 NFL Draft Big Board |
NFL Trade Deadline Tracker | 2023 NFL Trade Candidates
Buy, Sell, Hold for all 32 NFL Teams

A season ago, the Bears had the worst pressure rate in the NFL by a significant margin. This year, they have managed to climb all the way to 31st in the league but still apply heat on the opposing quarterback just a little over 27% of the time.

Sweat has recorded 27 pressures this season and has sacked opposing quarterbacks eight times. He doesn’t transform the unit by himself, but he gives the Bears at least one high-quality, starting-caliber player on a unit that doesn’t have any otherwise.

From a Washington perspective, they get a second-round pick — and likely a high one — for a player they had very little hope of being able to keep, given the dynamic with Chase Young and his status as an impending free agent.

They not only cash in early, but they improve their negotiating position with Young, given the two players share representation. This move also signals a departure from Washington’s previous modus operandi, where they typically lost a succession of players at the end of their deals with nothing in return, and that's a good sign under new ownership.

PFF's Premium Stats is the most in-depth collection of NFL and NCAA player performance data. Subscribe today to get full access!

Lastly, Sweat will likely sign a new extension with the Bears, and given the deal recently signed by Rashan Gary in Green Bay was so team-friendly, it makes a lot of sense to use it as a basic template for Sweat’s contract.

As good as Sweat is, he is a step down from the true elite pass-rushers in the league, but a contract mirroring Gary’s would be a fair middle-ground for all concerned.

One of the biggest trades of deadline day goes down as a perfect move for all involved.

Safety worth way more than 2 points. Help protect your family with fast, free will.
Sponsor
NFL Featured Tools
Subscriptions

Unlock the 2024 Fantasy Draft Kit, with Live Draft Assistant, Fantasy Mock Draft Sim, Rankings & PFF Grades

$24.99/mo
OR
$119.99/yr