Bears’ Montez Sweat takes shots at Commanders “toxic” mentality

Chicago Bears defensive end Montez Sweat has blasted the Washington Commanders' "toxic" mentality. Sweat was traded to Chicago in October for a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Sweat is a star pass rusher who played parts of five seasons with the Commanders as one of their top players. Now, ahead of the 2024 NFL season, Sweat reminisced on his time with Washington and called it "toxic."

In Sweat's four-and-a-half years with the Commanders, Washington went 28-45-1 and finished last in the NFC East three times, which took a toll on him.

“It was a toxic, heavy toll, just losing and people around you being kinda OK with losing,” said Sweat to the Chicago Sun-Times. “It could sometimes rub off on you. You’ve gotta stay hungry and know that you want to win.”

After being traded to Chicago, Sweat signed a four-year contract extension worth $98 million, including $72 million guaranteed. He played in nine games with the Bears and recorded 25 tackles and six sacks, while he had had 6.5 sacks in the eight games with Washington before the trade.

Sweat was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft by Washington. He has played in 76 NFL games, recording 222 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and one interception.

Montez Sweat says Bears have something to prove

Montez Sweat is a leader for the Chicago Bears' defense and enters the 2024 season with plenty of hype.

Chicago has Caleb Williams as the team's starting quarterback, who was drafted first overall. Entering the 2024 season, Sweat believes the Bears have something to prove to everyone, while the pass rusher is also taking on a defensive role.

“I’ve grown into a leader,” Montez Sweat said. “I used to always like to lead by example, but lately I’ve felt myself talking more, encouraging guys more, and just being that vessel for those guys to get some confidence... We’ve still got something to prove. We’ve still gotta win.”

The Bears are set to open their 2024 NFL season at home on Sept. 8 in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. Chicago then goes on to play Houston on the road on Sunday Night Football.