Commanders' Ron Rivera Says Montez Sweat Ready For 'Next Step'

Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

There's a lot on the line for Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat this season. 

The fifth-year defensive end is entering the final year of his rookie contract. With potentially a big payday on the horizon, head coach Ron Rivera is pleased with how Sweat has performed at training camp thus far.

“He's looked good," Rivera said. He really has. He's the guy that's got some great explosion, play speed and quickness. You see it flare up when he's focused in and ready to roll. You see some really good reps. You see some good flashes of what his abilities really are. It's good to see him moving around and flying around. It's one of those things that you just know he is ready to take that next step a lot.”

Playing on the final year of his contract last season paid off for Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. He had a career-high in sacks (11.5), tackles for loss (18), quarterback hits (20) and passes defended in 2022, which led to four-year $90 million contract with the Commanders this offseason. 

If Washington can get that kind of jump from Sweat this season, its pass rush will be one of, if not the best in football. Sweat had eight sacks along a career-best 28 quarterback hits and 14 tackles-for-loss last season. 

A season of that caliber could put the Commanders in a tough spot next offseason. With Payne and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen already having big contracts, the Commanders would have to decide if they want to invest more money into the defensive line between Sweat and Chase Young. Young is also in the final year of his rookie contract after his fifth-year option declined this offseason. 

Washington is currently projected to have over $64 million in cap space next offseason, according to Spotrac.

If Sweat can put together the best year of his career this season, he'd be set up for a huge payday, and Washington would be set with a tough but good problem to have. 

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