Dust Settles with New D-End, Old Cornerback

The trading deadline came and went for the Bears without dealing away cornerback Jaylon Johnson or getting him a new contract, although he reportedly had permission to find out his value in terms of contracts while seeking out a trade with other NFL teams.

What the Bears did get was a defensive end without real flaws in exchange for a second-round draft pick.

Montez Sweat, acquired from the Washington Commanders for a second-round pick in 2024, has a past of excellent all-around play in his four-plus seasons since coming to Washington as the 26th pick of the 2019 draft.

"Montez is a huge addition to our team," GM Ryan Poles said in a statement issued by the team. "He is not is not only a great player but a great person. We expect him to help elevate our defense."

Sweat has 35 1/2 sacks and 85 QB hits in 67 career games. He is rated the third-best run stopper among edge rushers in the league by Pro Football Focus.

The effect on the Bears defense of this trade could be more use of Yannick Ngakoue as a situational pass rusher from the quarterback's blind side, with Sweat on the left side of the defense and coming off the offense's right side. Meanwhile DeMarcus Walker could be moved inside from edge more to three technique, a position he played frequently in pass rush situations with Tennessee last year.

Walker has 1 1/2 sacks, five quarterback hits and five tackles for loss this season.

Trade deadline has passed and Jaylon Johnson is still a Bear.
Two things… no team was going to pay him what he is asking. No team was giving up 2- Day 2 picks for him in a trade which is what I was told the Bears were asking. I think he will eventually sign an extension
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) October 31, 2023

The Bears have used Walker 315 plays on the outside or over the tackle this year and only 125 in the A-gap or B-gap on the inside, according to Pro Football Focus. Of his plays, 229 have been lining up outside the tackle completely

Walker's best year was last season with Tennessee and he lined up only 107 plays outside the tackles and was used 319 plays over tackle or inside.

Then the Bears would play either Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens or Justin Jones at the other defenisve tackle spot alongside Walker.

Sweat's 6 1/2 sacks this season is behind only Danielle Hunter (10) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (8 1/2) in the NFC. His 10 tackles for loss are ranked tied for second in the NFC, trailing only Hunter's 12.

Whether Sweat alone, and any possible changes on the defensive line can do enough to bolster the sagging Bears pass rush remains to be seen. The Bears have only 10 sacks despite blitzing more than they have in the past. They are not only last in the NFL in sacks but by a wide margin. They have five less next than the next fewest teams. There are six tied for next to last at 15 sacks.

The move especially makes sense if the Bears believe they couldn't have come up with a better edge rush option in next year's draft and free agency, and/or if they wanted to devote their two first-round picks to the offensive side of the football. Needs on the offensive side could be wide receiver, quarterback, tackle or center.

Of course it is. I’d assume Chicago is asking for a 1st and change. They are likely willing to get a couple day two picks. Dallas wants to give up one day two pick and maybe a sweetener. https://t.co/LFz4eDzUzz
— Dominic White (@DomWWhite) October 31, 2023

To make room on the roster, the Bears released defensive end Khalid Kareem, who was active for the first time last week after spending all year on injured reserve. They also released practice squad defensive back Joejuan Williams and could add Kareem back on their practice squad at a later time.

Johnson's situation is more clear now after he wasn't traded. He can play out this season and leave in free agency or play it out and get a contract from the Bears at any time until free agency begins.

The Bears reportedly wanted a heavy price from any team thinking of acquiring Johnson. Then again, Johnson was apparently seeking a heavy price in terms of a contract or they would have signed him by now.

Leave it to Bears Twitter to ALWAYS be negative even in the midst of a great trade by King Poles!

Yes, we didn’t sign Montez Sweat to an extended deal yet but let’s let this develop. Montez probably not in Chicago yet 😂

What started as a potential bad day turned out good.
— TMY 🐻⬇️ (@Terence_M_Young) October 31, 2023

Twitter: BearDigest@BearsOnMaven