The Chicago Bears had a disappointing 2024 season, but none may have been as disappointing as star edge rusher Montez Sweat.
Acquired in a trade in Oct. 2023, Sweat played in nine games for Chicago, totaling 25 tackles, 6.0 sacks, and one forced fumble in a season in which he led both the Bears and Washington Commanders in total sacks on the season.
Shortly after joining the Bears, Sweat locked down a four-year, $98 million contract extension that included $72 million guaranteed. Looking to build off his first half-season with Chicago, Sweat had a down year in 2024, totaling 32 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games.
Sweat recently spoke about his disappointing 2024 season, where he was marred by injuries throughout the year.
“We didn’t make the playoffs. Some of my personal goals that I didn’t meet. Yeah, it was just a disappointing year,” Sweat said. “I mean, I don’t really dwell on it too much. Football is a game but know if you going to get hurt but when. So you’ve got to deal with those type of things and just move forward. I’m sure that won’t be my last injury, so I’ll just be ready for that when it presents itself again.”
Getting a healthy Sweat back on the field will be a massive help for the Bears and for Sweat, who will now have Dayo Odeyingbo playing opposite him and a new defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen. With Sweat and Odeyingbo holding down the edge, the Bears should be aggressive in getting after opposing quarterbacks this season.
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