Why Commanders Signing Montez Sweat is 'Tricky'

Montez Sweat is on the final year of his rookie contract, and the time is now for the Washington Commanders to extend him.

The Washington Commanders' offseason has been dominated by conversations of Chase Young's future with the franchise. 

However, Bleacher Report would argue that the focus is on the wrong pass rusher. It recently named Montez Sweat as the most important contract extension the team can sign in 2023.

"Extending the 26-year-old early would be a common-sense decision for most teams, but it's a bit trickier for Washington. The Commanders have already invested heavily in defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, and they can only justify spending so much money on their defensive front," Bleacher Report writes.

Sweat, a product of Mississippi State, is entering his fifth season in Washington, totaling 165 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 29 sacks in his young career.  

The selling point for Sweat compared to Young, according to the outlet, has been health. Young's last two seasons have been cut short due to a torn ACL in 2021. 

Due to injuries, in just one more season of play, Sweat has topped Young's totals by 90 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. Not to say Young can't be elite, but injuries have put his future in question. 

"Though Sweat did miss time in 2021 with a fractured jaw, he's been much healthier and much more consistent than Young. He's logged at least five sacks in every season, has 29 sacks total and is coming off a season with eight sacks and 31 quarterback pressures," Bleacher Report continued.

Sweat has proven he can contribute for the Commanders, and a contract extension should be in the cards.

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