Montez Sweat's Future with Chicago Bears in Question Amid Performance Concerns

Montez Sweat, the Chicago Bears' edge rusher and highest-paid player in 2026, is facing uncertainty about his future with the team due to his performance this season.

After being acquired from the Washington Commanders in 2023 for a second-round pick and signing a four-year, $98 million contract, Sweat initially showed promise with six sacks in nine games. However, his performance has fluctuated, with only 5.5 sacks in 2024 and a bounce-back year in 2025 where he recorded 10 sacks. Despite improvements in his get-off speed, he has only managed two sacks in the first five games of the current season.

The Bears are contemplating significant changes to their defense ahead of the 2027 offseason, and Sweat's high salary makes him a focal point in these discussions. If his performance does not improve, the team may consider releasing him to save $21 million, which could allow them to pursue a more effective pass rusher.