The Chicago Bears were rumored to be a potential buyer when it came to adding an established edge rushing presence ahead of this past week's trade deadline. Instead, the Bears invested in their defensive line bringing in Jeffery Simmons to anchor the middle of the defense and help their current edge rushers win more consistently. With this in mind, there is no doubt that the decisions made are both a bet of confidence in Montez Sweat and turning up the pressure on the defender.
Chicago is counting on the creativity of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and the talent of Sweat to continue to produce. Thus far the edge rusher has a trio of sacks and a forced fumbled in seven games played. For the franchsie to be the best version of itself the Bears are going to need a hot finish with double-digit sacks from Sweat.
This is the expectation of your star edge rusher already, that is all the more the case when you're able to play with the dominating inside presence that is Simmons. Offensive lines are going to be forced to give the interior far more attention and open up chances for Sweat to get to the quarterback far more consistently.
Currently, Austin Booker leads the team in sacks with 5.0 on the season building on what was a breakout summer performance. It is exciting to see that Allen has been able to get the best out of Booker while finding ways to get to the quarterback relying on creative blitz schemes.
Bears need Montez Sweat to take a clear leap after trade deadline decisions
Sweat has extra reason for motivation after dealing with a suspension this season for violating hte league's performance enhancement policy. There is every reason to question this situation and it turns up the pressure and expectations on a piece you're expecting to be a star presence. There were rumblings that perhaps Maxx Crosby or Josh Sweat could be targeted by the Bears ahead of last week's deadline.
Instead, Simmons was the lone answer and the Bears bet on the ceiling of their current star rusher. A decision that makes a great deal of sense considering the contract and ceiling of Sweat. The pass rusher finished last season with 10.0 sacks and a trio of forced fumbles in what was a strong campaign.
These are the type of numbers fans are expecting to see from Sweat finish with if not better. The defender has a clear advantage of Chicago's defensive line and every reason to put his foot down on the gas pedal in the final weeks of the 2026 season.
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