Competition in the NFC North is as tough as ever this season, and the Chicago Bears will now have to stay afloat without one of their best defensive players for the next two games. Pass-rusher Montez Sweat was suspended for Chicago’s Week 6 game against the Atlanta Falcons and its Week 7 game against the New England Patriots after violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. But beyond having to sit out the next two games, Sweat also got some more bad news to accompany his suspension.
Sweat is due a non-guaranteed $21M in 2027.” Because of his suspension, the Bears now no longer owe him any guaranteed money in 2027, meaning they could cut him next offseason and save $21 million against the salary cap. While thinking of releasing him may be premature right now, it could make a lot of financial sense if Sweat doesn’t turn things around. After signing a four-year, $98 million contract with Chicago back in 2024, Sweat hasn’t quite lived up to expectations (or his contract).
He logged just 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in the first year of his deal. And though he recorded 10 sacks and three forced fumbles last year, Sweat has just 13 pressures, nine hurries, two QB hits, and two sacks in five games this season. The Bears have already been linked to a number of high-profile pass-rushers in trade rumors including Los Angeles Chargers edge-rusher Khalil Mack and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Sweat (no relation to Montez), and if Montez doesn’t perform after returning from his suspension, it could increase the likelihood Chicago moves on from him in the offseason.
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