The Chicago Bears made headlines on October 31, 2023, by trading a second-round pick to acquire Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Four days later, they locked him in with a four-year, $98 million contract extension, $72 million of which is guaranteed. Sweat quickly made his presence felt, recording six sacks in his nine games with the Bears and finishing the season with a career-high 12.5 sacks across two teams. Remarkably, he became the first player in NFL history to lead two franchises in sacks during a single season.
Sweat’s dominance didn’t go unnoticed. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus coined the term the “Tez effect” to describe the way his presence opened opportunities for others, leading to increased sacks, quarterback pressures, and turnovers. Sweat’s impact earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, solidifying his status as a cornerstone for Chicago’s defensive future.
Now, rumors suggest the Bears could add another game-changer to their defensive line by reuniting Sweat with his former Washington teammate, Chase Young.
Recently, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder predicted that Young, the former first-round defensive end, currently playing out a one-year, $13 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, would be a free agent to target.
Chase Young, the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year, has showcased elite talent, but injuries and inconsistency have tempered his stardom. Traded to the 49ers in 2023, Young demonstrated flashes of his potential in San Francisco’s formidable defensive front. With Young set to enter free agency, the Bears could strike while the iron is hot and reunite him with Sweat, forming one of the NFL’s most dynamic pass-rushing duos.
Together in Washington, Sweat and Young created havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Adding Young to a Bears defense already benefiting from the “Tez effect” could elevate the unit to elite status. Combined with emerging secondary and standout linebackers like Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago would finally regain its defensive identity.
Acquiring Young won’t be cheap, with his market value expected to range from $13-15 million annually. However, the Bears are in an excellent financial position thanks to significant cap space heading into 2025. With Sweat already under contract and Young still in his prime, Chicago can make a long-term investment in building one of the league’s top defensive lines.
The Bears have struggled to establish a consistent pass rush recently, but Sweat has already changed that narrative. Pairing him with Young would amplify the defensive line’s production and provide a ripple effect throughout the defense. With opposing teams forced to account for two elite edge rushers, opportunities would open for interior linemen and linebackers to make plays.
Furthermore, the addition of Young would send a message to fans and the rest of the NFL that the Bears are serious about contending. Chicago’s defense has long been a cornerstone of its identity, and this move could restore that reputation.
While the prospect of reuniting Sweat and Young is enticing, it’s not without risks. Young’s injury history raises concerns about his long-term availability and durability. The Bears would need to perform a thorough evaluation before committing to a significant financial investment. Additionally, there’s no guarantee Young would thrive in Chicago’s system, though familiarity with Sweat could ease his transition.
Reuniting Montez Sweat and Chase Young would be a bold move for the Bears, one that could transform their defense into a championship-caliber unit. With Sweat already proving his worth and Young offering sky-high potential, the pairing could be a game-changer for Chicago.
The Bears have the cap space, need, and opportunity to make this happen. Whether they choose to roll the dice on Young remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: adding him to the mix would make Chicago a much more formidable defense for opposing quarterbacks.
