The Chicago Bears made headlines during the NFL trade deadline with their acquisition of talented pass rusher Montez Sweat for a second-round pick. The deal initially appeared reasonable, considering Sweat’s abilities and the team’s need for a pass rusher. However, a recent revelation has cast a shadow of uncertainty on the trade, potentially turning it into one of the worst football deals in NFL history.
Sweat recently revealed that he is not yet ready to sign an extension with the Bears. He expressed his desire to evaluate the situation and consider all his options before committing to a long-term deal. This newfound information changes the entire perspective of the trade.
The Bears, currently at a 2-6 record, are not in a position to compete significantly in the 2023 season. Rental trades usually make sense when they propel a team towards the next level of competitiveness, like the Los Angeles Rams acquiring Von Miller with hopes of reaching the Super Bowl. In contrast, it is challenging to determine the tangible benefits the Bears can gain from this trade. While having Sweat undoubtedly improves their pass rush, it is unclear how far it can elevate their overall performance. The NFC landscape is competitive, with the division-leading Detroit Lions and other teams battling for Wild Card spots.
Analyzing the remaining schedule, the Bears have a few winnable matchups against struggling teams, some games where they could potentially cause an upset, and others where they are unlikely to emerge victorious. Even with an optimistic outlook, the Bears might end the season with a record of 7-10 at best, falling short of the playoffs, which require a higher threshold. This raises questions about the long-term benefits of this trade.
Additionally, the trade could harm the Bears’ draft position. Building a successful team heavily relies on selecting impactful players in the draft. By acquiring Sweat, the Bears may improve in the short term but potentially slip down the draft board. If the Panthers continue to improve and the Bears finish with both of their picks outside the top five, it could hinder their ability to secure a future superstar.
Moreover, the loss of another high second-round pick raises concerns about the team’s future. The Claypool trade in 2022 serves as a cautionary tale, where the Bears gave up a valuable pick for a below-average receiver. The 2024 second-round pick, likely to be in the top five, presents an opportunity to find a long-term player, which may be missed if Sweat departs after the season.
The only way to salvage this trade is if Montez Sweat ultimately signs a long-term contract with the Bears. While it might alleviate some concerns, it raises the question of whether acquiring him justifies sacrificing their draft slot in 2024. An extended partnership with Sweat would provide the Bears with a cornerstone on their defensive line but may not offset the potential long-term costs.
Overall, the Montez Sweat trade appears to reflect a short-sighted approach aimed at self-preservation rather than prioritizing the team’s best interests. Such a strategy does not bode well for the Bears’ future. Fans can only hope that this deal does not lead to further disappointment and setbacks.
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