The Chicago Bears have an obvious remaining weakness when it comes to a lack of proven pass-rushing depth. One potential answer was veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat, who was rumored to be on the move this week. This is where ESPN's Ian Rapoport stepped in, offering the following: "Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat is not being traded. Not to the Packer or anywhere. Carry on..." While it is good news that Sweat isn't being traded to a division rival, it does take away one of the quickly dwindling answers at the position.
Chicago could feel a new sense of urgency, as well as fallout from the Myles Garrett trade continues. There is a clear frontrunner in the NFC in the Los Angeles Rams, and pairing Josh Sweat with Montez Sweat would've created a duo that helped push the Bears back into the debate as a clear hurdle for the Rams.
Instead, not only is Sweat no longer an option for Chicago, but any team looking for edge rushing options now has one less potential fit. This creates a higher sense of urgency if the Bears are going to add in free agency and a clear likelihood that any potential trade targets will demand a higher price.
Bears Have One Less Trade Target After Frustrating Josh Sweat Update
The Bears could look at Maxx Crosby, but this is a deal that comes with obvious concerns as well. Crosby has consistently dealt with injuries throughout his career and is coming off a failed trade to the Baltimore Ravens due to a physical the organization said voided the deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Crosby, being the top remaining trade option with this baggage, speaks to how frustrating it is to have Sweat officially off the board.
Rapoport, taking such a loud stance as one of the league's top insiders, says that the team has made it clear there is nothing behind the current smoke. You're not putting your reputation on the line this loudly unless you're incredibly sure Sweat is staying in Arizona.
This should be Chicago's conclusion and push the front office to very aggressively begin exploring other possible fits. While there have been encouraging signs from the team's younger pieces at the position, there isn't a clear resume from anyone other than Montez that offers an expected level of stability. All of this makes it clear that the Bears should continue to explore possible fits as we head closer to the 2026 season.
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