The Washington Commanders had always planned to extend the contract of 2019 first-round pick Montez Sweat. Throughout his first four seasons, Sweat was solid and dependable. But he always left you wanting a little bit more.
Last season, the Commanders decided to move on from Sweat, sending him to the Chicago Bears at the NFL trade deadline. Why? Washington was going nowhere in the last year of an old regime and its first year under new ownership.
It also helped that the Bears’ offer of a second-round pick would be a top-40 pick.
Sweat’s situation was different than Chase Young’s situation. The Commanders had no interest in a long-term deal with Young but had always wanted to retain Sweat. Before his trade to the Bears, Sweat led Washington with 6.5 sacks. That was good enough to lead the team for the entire season.
After his trade to Chicago, Sweat had six more sacks, which also led the Bears. Yes, Sweat led two teams in sacks last season, which was good enough to earn a trip to his first Pro Bowl.
The Bears rewarded Sweat with a new four-year deal worth $98 million for his excellent play.
In an interview with Dan Pompei of The Athletic, Sweat reflected on his trade from Washington to Chicago. He wasn’t happy about it.
“I was shocked,” he says. “In disbelief.”
Sweat reflected on a text from then-head coach Ron Rivera to meet him in his office to discuss the trade.
“I was very emotional,” he says. “I was angry and probably said some things I wanted to take back. Maybe.”
Sweat acknowledged that the fear of starting over scared him.
“It felt like somebody kind of gave up on you, like you aren’t good enough anymore,” Sweat said.
Things worked out for Sweat. While the Commanders could use him, the Bears are likely one year ahead of Washington in their rebuild. Sweat’s value was at an all-time high, and owner Josh Harris agreed to the deal, giving the next regime a high second-round pick and potential building block.