State To Sundays: Former Miss. State Defender Receives Contract Extension From Bears
The National Football League announced that the Chicago Bears decided to continue keeping defensive end Montez Sweat, who signed a four-contract extension on Saturday.
The new contract ensures him four years of $72.8 million guaranteed with a $98 million extension. The total deal is worth $105 million, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Sweat's career in the NFL began in 2019 after being drafted in the first round by the Washington Commanders. On Tuesday, the Bears traded a second-round NFL draft pick in order to have possession of this defensive end.
"Montez is a huge addition to our team," said Ryan Poles, the general manager of the Bears. "He is not only a great player but a great person. We expect him to help elevate our defense."
While playing with the Commanders, Sweat racked up 197 tackles, 35.5 sacks and 47 tackles-for-losses. He has also had one interception which he returned 15 yards for a touchdown. He started 67 games with Washington during his five seasons on the team.
Although the Bears are not in position to make a playoff push, the 27-year-old was acquired just before the trading deadline. T.J. Edwards and Yannick Ngakoue currently lead the defense with two sacks apiece. Chicago has managed just 10 sacks through eight games in 2023, five fewer than any other team.
While playing as a Bulldog, Sweat played 26 games, collecting 22 sacks, 101 tackles and 29.5 tackles for loss. He left his legacy as a Bulldog with a tie for fifth on MSU's career list for sacks and was a five-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week.
