Packers fans mock Bears for baffling Montez Sweat trade
It wouldn't be the NFL trade deadline without the Chicago Bears making a head-scratching deal, and Green Bay Packers fans are loving it.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Bears are sending a second-round pick to the Washington Commanders for edge rusher Montez Sweat. Make no mistake, Sweat is a fantastic player. It just doesn't make any sense for the Bears.
At last year's trade deadline, the Bears sent a second-rounder to the Pittsburgh Steelers for wide receiver Chase Claypool. That didn't last long. Chicago traded Claypool to the Miami Dolphins for a sixth-round selection earlier this month. He lasted less than a year with the Bears.
Trading for Sweat is a better deal than the Claypool move, but it still makes no sense for the Bears.
NFL trade deadline: Bears deal for Montez Sweat has Packers fans laughing
The Bears made the type of move a contender makes. They traded for a talented edge defender on an expiring contract, a deal that could help win a championship. But the Bears aren't in contention this season.
Chicago has to hand Sweat a long-term deal. He can demand Rashan Gary money, but he's not as talented as the Packers' star pass rusher. If Sweat doesn't get the money he wants, why would he extend his deal with the Bears? He becomes a free agent in the spring. If the Bears don't pay him, they will have spent a high second-round pick for a player who plays about half a season for them.
Packers fans didn't hold back on X (formerly Twitter).
They still suck.
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) October 31, 2023
The end https://t.co/cPqnKQVJAS
Even if it is I would not give up the 35th pick for the right to pay Montez Sweat and his 7 sacks a season Rashan Gary money. Bears gonna Bear. https://t.co/b80wVokE2f
— Ross Uglem (@RossUglem) October 31, 2023
Funny to see national media parrot the Bears’ PR team while their fans rip their hair out.
— The Packer Ranter (@PackerRanter) October 31, 2023
It's not just Packers fans that don't understand the move.
And to add more fuel to the dumbest trade, Sweats agent has ALL the leverage. Not 99.9 of the leverage, all the leverage. 100 percent. He should never answer the Bear's calls. There is nothing to say other than "SHOW ME THE MONEY PLUS 25%
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) October 31, 2023
I think it's a pretty big L for the Bears. Sweat is a good, not great player, and I don't see a ceiling for him to tier up. Great run defender, decent pass rusher. Was part of an elite unit, now will be THE guy.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) October 31, 2023
But you also have to pay him! Like Rashan Gary? He's not that good https://t.co/Mh3A7IEnsv
Wouldn't it be hilarious if Sweat does enough to help the Bears worsen their draft position and then signs a massive deal with another team in the offseason?
The Bears may have already worked out an extension with Sweat, but paying top edge rusher money also wouldn't make sense.
Sweat is an excellent player and helps Chicago's defense, but it's another head-scratching trade-deadline move by Bears GM Ryan Poles.
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