The Washington Commanders shocked the NFL world Tuesday, trading both starting defensive ends, Montez Sweat and Chase Young, for second and third-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft.
The second-round pick from Chicago is expected to be a top-40 pick and could be a top-35 pick. Surely, the Bears intend to sign Sweat to a contract extension, right?
Chicago general manager Ryan Poles believes the Bears and Sweat can agree to a deal.
“I feel really confident that we can get a deal done,” Poles said via Alyssa Barbieri of Bears Wire.
As for Sweat, he’s obviously eager to sign a long-term deal. Sweat is playing this season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. Not so fast.
“I just want to consider everything around me before I make a decision,” Sweat said.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Atlanta Falcons wanted Sweat and were working with Washington on a deal, but the Bears offered more, and the Commanders took Chicago’s offer.
Sweat is from Georgia, and returning home to play appealed to him.
While the Bears may be concerned about their ability to re-sign Sweat, they can apply the franchise tag on him, securing his rights for 2024.
The Commanders had long wanted to extend Sweat but were unable to work on a new contract while the team was for sale.