The Chicago Bears have a level of obvious concern when it comes to the 2026 pass rush and how the unit will fare after Montez Sweat. The established veteran is the one edge-rushing piece fans and pundits can point to as a proven commodity. However, Sweat isn't hesitating to utilize this level of trust to build up his teammate Austin Booker. Booker is Chicago's best chance of finding a breakout star and consistent edge-rushing presence alongside Sweat. This was made obvious by last year's leading pass rusher offering the following via BearsMuse.
"Montez Sweat
“Book has turned into a complete player. He’s a guy that wants to be out there on all 1st down and 2nd down’s and he’s becoming a very complete player.” "
This is Booker's third season in the league with last season offering 4.5 sacks and signs of potentially being an every down rusher. Sweat is pointing out this improvement is obvious and it is exactly what Chicago fans need to hear. While there have been suggestions that Josh Sweat or Maxx Crosby could be potential trade targets a move appears to be increasingly unlikely.
Chicago must find an in-house option and it is clear that the fanbase believes Booker is the best chance of this happening. Sweat's comments fuel this belief and leave every reason to expect a breakout season for Booker in 2026.
Montez Sweat fuels belief that the Bears should prepare for an Austin Booker breakout season
Booker is only 23 and was drafted in the fifth-round in 2024 with his first two seasons serving as a depth and rotational piece. Development under Ben Johnson's staff became obvious and has fueled the idea that the young defender could prove to be the answer alongside Sweat. Fans will continue to keep an eye on the preseason and camp in hopes that Booker continues to show signs of a breakout season.
If there were to be any struggles from the unit it wouldn't be surprising to see the Bears attempt to make a move ahead of this year's trade deadline. Chicago is clearly a Super Bowl contender and arguably in the best position to take down what is a loaded Los Angeles Rams roster.
With this in mind, it makes sense that Sweat is taking every opportunity to build up Chicago's best chance of finding a solid starter opposite the veteran. Booker is this chance and has given every reason to believe that the Bears opting not to bring in an established name at the position is going to pay off.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google