The Chicago Bears acquired pass rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders on Tuesday in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Sweat is in the final year of his rookie contract, and by acquiring the 27-year-old before the end of the season, the Bears control his rights and can sign him to a contract extension.

Sweat has 6 1/2 sacks - tied for eighth most in the NFL - and joins a Chicago team that has a league-low 10 sacks through eight games.

He also has 23 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and 32 total tackles with 10 going for loss. Only Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter has more tackles for loss with 12.

Since being drafted 26th overall by Washington in 2019, Sweat has 120 total tackles and 35 1/2 sacks. He had a career-best nine sacks in 2020, and a personal-high 14 tackles for loss last season.

Though the Commanders (3-5) have a better record than the Bears (2-6), Washington was expected to be a seller at the trade deadline, while Chicago has plenty of salary cap space in 2024 and can afford to be buyers.

Sweat immediately bolsters a defense that has five fewer sacks than any other team in the league.

 

TRADE: Commanders DE Montez Sweat traded to Bears for second-round pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/xWqkY6RCkL

— NFL (@NFL) October 31, 2023