Ben Johnson's praise for Montez Sweat reveals Bears' confidence at edge rusher

The Chicago Bears are higher on their edge rusher room than anyone else. That is why the team did not add anyone in free agency or the draft. Some of that has to do with an optimistic view of their injured rushers, but a lot might have to do with their belief in Montez Sweat. 

Ben Johnson said that he thought Sweat had a solid season, but when he re-watched him after the year, his impression of Sweat grew even more. 

The Chicago Bears are higher on Montez Sweat after the first year with Ben Johnson 

Johnson said that it was debatable whether his presence showed up in the box score. To be fair, it did in some ways. Sweat had ten sacks last year, which was the second-best rate of his career. He also posted career-highs in pressures and run stops according to PFF. So, there were ways to see that Sweat was impactful. 

However, most view him as a good or high-quality pass rusher and not quite an elite player. That is likely what Johnson is talking about with the debatable stats. People see solid production, but Johnson appears to see an impact that goes beyond the box score. Sweat routinely draws extra attention from offenses, and that can create opportunities for everyone else on the defensive front. Those contributions do not always show up in sacks, but they can still have a major impact on a defense.

The question is less about Sweat and more about the names around him, though. Sweat was doing all of this while taking on double-teams, chips, and all of the attention that the other side did not demand. Entering 2026, the team still has the same players across from Sweat.

Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner are both coming back from injuries. Neither were impactful last season, and Turner is moving from the interior defensive line to the edge. Austin Booker flashed in moments last year, but he is better off as a designated pass rusher than a starter. 

The Bears seem to think that the growth of Sweat can cause these players to rise to the occasion, while fans and media wonder if the lack of talent across from Sweat hurts his upside. 

The team is betting on internal development more than outside additions. If they are right, the edge room could look much better than expected. If they are wrong, questions about the position will continue throughout the season.

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