Bears’ Trade for Commanders’ Montez Sweat Causes Significant Confusion

Chicago made a move that a contender would make, but the Bears don’t appear to be a playoff caliber team.

The Bears acquired Commanders pass rusher Montez Sweat on Tuesday ahead of the 2023 NFL trade deadline in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The move bolsters the defensive front for Chicago, as the 27-year-old Sweat will provide instant impact to one of the worst pass rushes in the league.

However, the Bears, sitting at 2-6 on the season, appear to be on the verge of yet another season without a trip to the playoffs. Sweat, meanwhile, will be a free agent following the season.

This seems like a move that would be made by a contender looking for a final piece to a championship run, not a move made by a team that seems destined for another top-10 pick.

The social media reactions across the board were in consensus. While the move for Sweat addresses a key area of need, a second-round pick seems like a steep price to pay for a player who appears to be a rental for the rest of what's on the fringe of being a lost season for Chicago. Of course, there’s a chance that Sweat could sign with the Bears for the long term, but that appears far from a certainty right now.

Here are some of the best reactions to the Sweat trade on X. 

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Can’t believe they got the full Claypool for him

— Brandon Warne (@formerly_bw) October 31, 2023

So the bears can go 4-13 instead of 3-14

— ✯ (@_1eppy) October 31, 2023

Why not just sign him in free agency? Silly move for a non-contending team to make.

— Nick (@HolzSportsCo) October 31, 2023

What exactly is Chicago doing? Lol

— BaddogSports (@MrBaddog7676) October 31, 2023

This will surely fix their offensive problems

— strallweat (@strallweat) October 31, 2023