Commanders News: Sam Howell, Ron Rivera, Montez Sweat and Week 9
By Dean Jones
Former Commanders DE Montez Sweat gets paid
When the Chicago Bears allocated what's probably going to be a high-end second-round selection in 2024 to acquire defensive end Montez Sweat, many people wondered if this was a risk due to his contractual situation. The former first-round selection was set to be out of contract next spring, but his representatives took this newfound leverage and put it to immediate use.
Sweat got paid on Saturday with a bumper new four-year contract that sees him among the league's highest earners at the position. Something the Mississippi State product was thrilled by based on comments via Chicago's website.
"It's a blessing. It's part of God's plan. Having security to go out there and play full and just getting what I'm owed, it's a blessing. This is what every player wishes for, to get to the second deal and to reap the benefits of your work. Now I can go out there and play free."
- Montez Sweat via ChicagoBears.com
According to multiple reports, Sweat received a four-year, $98 million with $62 million guaranteed at signing. He'll earn around $56 million by the end of 2025 and is now being paid in keeping with his talent levels.
This was money the Washington Commanders couldn't afford given the money already tied up in the defensive tackle duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Therefore, this trade looks like a win-win for all parties involved.