The Washington Commanders have reached an agreement to trade star pass rusher Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears and will receive a second-round draft pick in next year’s draft in return.
It’s a move that validates the perceived value of Sweat, one of the top players available at Tuesday’s trade deadline. On Monday, the New York Giants traded their star pass rusher, Leonard Williams, to the Seattle Seahawks for second- and fifth-round selections.
Washington’s haul is better because the Chicago Bears are one of the league’s worst teams, and their second-round selection is expected to be early in the round, unlike the Seahawks, who currently lead the NFC West.
The Atlanta Falcons were also strongly pursuing Sweat, who is from Georgia.
Sweat is playing the final season of his rookie contract. If he doesn’t agree to an extension with the Bears, they’ll be able to use the franchise tag to keep him in Chicago for another season if they wish.
Acquiring Sweat now means that if the Bears sign him to an extension, he won’t count against the compensatory draft formula for free agents.
For Washington, it’s another signal that the Commanders are open for business ahead of the league’s trade deadline. Chase Young is also reportedly on the trade block, though teams were more interested in Sweat, who has fewer injury questions.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.