Atlanta Falcons Had 'Sights Set' on Ex Washington Commanders DE Montez Sweat at Trade Deadline

Prior to being traded to the Chicago Bears, defensive end Montez Sweat wanted to be sent to the Atlanta Falcons - and there was reportedly plenty of mutual interest.

The Atlanta Falcons pursued former Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat before Tuesday's trade deadline, according to a report from ESPN.

Sweat was traded to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 second-round draft pick that currently sits at No. 37 overall.

Prior to the Bears' strong offer, Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot zeroed in on Sweat and planned to work on a contract extension for the impending free agent.

"Atlanta had its sights set on Sweat, but Washington went with Chicago's offer," ESPN wrote. "That left the Falcons without much-needed pass-rush help. And my understanding is Atlanta was willing to extend Sweat's contract as part of the deal and that Sweat wanted to go to Atlanta, where he has family. All of that fell through."

The 27-year-old Sweat has 10 tackles for loss, six-and-a-half sacks and 11 quarterback hits through eight games this year. He has at least one sack in five contests.

Montez Sweat emerged as an impactful pass rusher on the Washington Commanders' defense / Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta lost star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett for the season following a torn ACL in Sunday's 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans and succinctly traded for another interior defender in Kentavius Street, shipping a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jarrett is tied for second on the Falcons with eight quarterback hits, opening a considerable void in Atlanta's pass rush, which has 56 hits and 15 sacks as a unit.

Evidently, Fontenot and staff felt Sweat could fill that void in the present while serving as a key piece moving forward ... but it simply wasn't meant to be.