Commanders' Montez Sweat Trade Rumor: Would Bears Give Premium NFL Draft Picks?

How much would the Chicago Bears trade to get Montez Sweat of the Washington Commanders?

The Washington Commanders surely saw this coming.

The organization's commitment to using premium NFL Draft picks on defensive linemen was going to eventually result in the organization deciding whether to give them all massive second contracts.

Jon Allen got his.

Daron Payne got his.

Chase Young is waiting on his.

And what about Montez Sweat?

He's entering the fifth season of his career, the final year of his rookie deal that pays him $11.5 million. Washington has yet to pull the trigger on an extension ...

Leading to speculation that maybe Washington won't do so.

Enter the idea of trading him before it's time to pay him.

The Chicago Bears have this offseason been aggressive in making massive roster moves. And that's led to speculation that Chicago might do it again, with this media guess: The Bears send the No. 61 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to Washington in exchange for the talented Sweat.

The Bears just got done acquiring four draft picks in exchange for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, so that cupboard is loaded.

Meanwhile, a consideration for Washington: A standout player on a rookie deal is one of the NFL's most valuable assets ... unless his employer thinks he's playing on a non-contender now and will be too pricy to retain later.

The Young situation puts Washington in a difficult spot. ... and the Sweat situation will soon do the same. If the Commanders believe they can win now (with Sam Howell as their starter for the 2023 season?), Sweat should stay.

If a hard look in the mirror tells Washington that this is (yet another) "transitional'' year? When the phone rings with offers of future premium picks, the Commanders should pick up.

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