Chicago Tribune

Brad Biggs: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles assumed risk in Montez Sweat trade, but free agency and the draft make it a worthy gamble

No high-profile trade comes without an element of risk. Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles assumed one when he made another big deadline-day deal Tuesday, sending a second-round draft pick to the Washington Commanders for defensive end Montez Sweat, a formidable addition to a defense utterly lacking a pass rush. Poles bet on himself and his staff that they can get Sweat to stick with the ...
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson breaks up a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell in the first quarter at Soldier Field on Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago.

No high-profile trade comes without an element of risk.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles assumed one when he made another big deadline-day deal Tuesday, sending a second-round draft pick to the Washington Commanders for defensive end Montez Sweat, a formidable addition to a defense utterly lacking a pass rush.

Poles bet on himself and his staff that they can get Sweat to stick with the Bears in the long term and be part of a second wave of roster overhaul. If so, he will be a foundational piece for the defense. That is the risk in the move for Sweat, who the Bears will pay $6.5 million for the final nine games of the season before his contract expires.

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