The Washington Commanders made a huge move ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, they agreed to trade star DE Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 second-round pick.
Trade: Commanders and Bears have agreed to a trade that is expected to send DE Montez Sweat to the Chicago for a 2024 second-round pick, per sources. Sweat is in the last year of his contract, and the Commanders are opting for a draft pick now. Chicago beefs up its line. pic.twitter.com/Hd7jtqDtWY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 31, 2023
With Sweat entering the final year of his contract and an extension unlikely at this point, the Commanders opted to get a valuable asset in the upcoming NFL Draft, whereas the Bears added some much-needed help to their defensive line.
Sweat has been a stalwart defender in his five years with the Commanders organization, logging nine forced fumbles, 35.5 sacks, 85 QB hits, and 47 tackles for loss.
He’s just 27 years old and could be the Bears’ defensive anchor for years to come.
The Commanders chose to let him go — and are expected to do the same with former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young.
Moreover, with their new regime, the Commanders are expected to clean house and be one of the most aggressive teams in the league next offseason, so adding a valuable draft pick while getting some salary off their books was an obvious move.
Chicago is clearly planning ahead to the future, as they likely won’t make the playoffs this season.
But with a realistic chance to get the No. 1 and No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, it seems prudent that they add some talented veterans.
NEXT: Commanders Star Breaks Silence On Trade Rumors
