Montez Sweat Suspension Could Bring an Early End to His Bears Tenure
Chicago Bears DE Montez Sweat may have cost himself a lot more than two game checks with his recent suspension.
Montez Sweat's suspension by the NFL for violating the performance-enhancing substances policy has put the Chicago Bears in a precarious situation as they head into the second half of the season. The pass-rusher, who is currently suspended for the upcoming games against the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots, will miss not only these matches but also the remainder of his 2026 salary and any future guarantees associated with it.
According to Spotrac, the suspension will result in Sweat forfeiting $2.3 million from his 2026 salary. Moreover, the remaining $12.7 million on his contract for that year is now unsecured, as the league's decision to suspend him voids all future money tied to his performance. This means the Bears will not be obligated to pay any guaranteed money to Sweat in 2027, potentially allowing them to cut him next offseason and save $21 million against the salary cap.
While it might be premature to consider releasing Sweat at this stage, the financial implications are hard to ignore. After signing a four-year, $98 million contract with the Bears in 2024, Sweat has failed to meet expectations, recording fewer than half the sacks he was projected to and failing to generate the same level of pressure on opposing quarterbacks that he once did.
With just 13 pressures, nine hurries, two QB hits, and two sacks in his first five games of the current season, it is clear that Sweat's performance has regressed.
The Bears have already initiated trade discussions for pass-rushers, including potential targets like the Los Angeles Chargers' Khalil Mack and the Arizona Cardinals' Josh Sweat. If Sweat is unable to turn his game around after returning from his suspension, it could make Chicago's decision to move on from him in the offseason even more likely.
The team's current financial situation, coupled with Sweat's underwhelming performance, suggests that cutting ties with him could be the most prudent move for the Bears moving forward.
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