Should the Chicago Bears trade for a defensive player like FA Buddy and pair him with Montez Sweat? It could enhance their pass rush significantly.

In recent seasons, the Chicago Bears have gone through a significant rebuilding phase. Their focus has been on strengthening multiple positions, including quarterback, offensive line, and most notably, their defense. The Bears have historically built their identity around strong defensive play, and with the rise of players like Roquan Smith and the recent acquisition of edge rusher Montez Sweat, the team is aiming to return to its roots of dominating defensive play.

Montez Sweat was brought in to bolster the Bears’ pass rush, and with his addition, the team appears to be building a defense capable of competing with some of the best in the NFC. However, the question arises: Should the Bears trade for a defensive player, like an additional free agent (FA) Buddy, and pair him with Sweat to further enhance their pass rush? The idea of pairing Sweat, a proven commodity, with another dynamic player is an enticing proposition that could significantly improve the Bears’ defensive line and overall defensive scheme.

In this article, we will dive into the strategic merits and challenges of such a trade, looking at the potential fit of another FA defensive player, how it would impact the team’s pass rush, and the future direction of the Bears’ defense.

Montez Sweat: A Step in the Right Direction for the Bears’ Defense

Before analyzing the potential trade for a defensive player, it’s important to understand Montez Sweat’s impact on the Bears’ defense. Acquired in a trade with the Washington Commanders, Sweat is a dynamic pass rusher who has already proven to be one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL.

Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 260 pounds, Sweat possesses an impressive combination of size, speed, and athleticism. In his career, Sweat has accumulated multiple seasons with double-digit sack totals, showcasing his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks. In his time with Washington, Sweat was often paired with other high-profile defensive linemen like Chase Young, and together, they formed one of the more formidable defensive duos in the NFL. Now, with Sweat joining the Bears, the team is hoping to replicate that level of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

One of the key attributes that the Bears are hoping to benefit from in Sweat’s game is his ability to play both the run and pass effectively. This dual threat is crucial in today’s NFL, where defenses are required to be more versatile. Adding Sweat gives the Bears more flexibility along their defensive front, which can be used in multiple different formations. However, while Sweat is a promising addition to the defense, a second pass-rushing threat could help take the pressure off him and elevate the unit as a whole. This is where the potential for pairing him with another high-impact player—such as an FA Buddy—becomes an interesting option.

The Importance of a Second Pass Rusher

The Bears’ defensive line has been in need of an additional pass-rushing threat for several seasons. Even with Khalil Mack in his prime, the Bears often struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Having just one elite pass rusher typically results in a lot of double-team situations, which limits the impact of that player.

Robert Quinn, another former Bears standout, had a solid run with the team, especially during his 18.5-sack season in 2021. However, his production sharply declined in the subsequent seasons, and the Bears eventually traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles. The lack of a consistent second pass-rusher after Quinn’s departure made the Bears’ defensive line a one-dimensional unit.

Bringing in Sweat was a step toward addressing this issue, but it’s clear that a second player capable of generating pressure is still needed. That’s where the trade for a defensive player like FA Buddy—a free agent with proven pass-rushing ability—could elevate the entire defensive unit.

What Would an FA Buddy Bring to the Bears?

When discussing the potential for trading for an FA Buddy, it’s important to consider the type of player the Bears would be targeting. An ideal fit would be a player who can line up opposite Montez Sweat and immediately provide a complementary pass-rush threat. Ideally, the Bears would target a player with a skill set that complements Sweat’s abilities—someone who can generate pressure consistently and force opposing quarterbacks to make quick decisions under duress.

Given the depth of free agency in any given offseason, several types of players could fit this mold. For example, veterans with a history of success as edge rushers or younger, high-upside players could be added to bring energy and disruption to the defensive front. A speed rusher would be a great complement to Sweat, as it would allow the Bears to attack from different angles and keep offensive linemen guessing. Additionally, a veteran pass rusher with leadership experience would be valuable to help mentor some of the younger Bears defensive linemen.

A player like Jadeveon Clowney (who has been available on the market) or Frank Clark could provide the Bears with that veteran presence on the edge. Both players have had careers filled with ups and downs, but when healthy, they are capable of being game-changers. Pairing one of these veterans with Montez Sweat could create a fearsome tandem of edge rushers capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield.

How the Bears’ Defense Could Benefit

A major benefit of pairing Montez Sweat with another proven edge rusher is that it would allow the Bears to create a more dynamic pass-rushing game plan. Matt Eberflus, the Bears’ head coach, is known for his defensive acumen, and his defense relies on getting to the quarterback with a strong pass rush. The addition of another player capable of pressuring quarterbacks would give Eberflus more flexibility in his defensive game plans.

The Bears could employ a variety of defensive line rotations, using Sweat and the new acquisition in different positions, or even on the same side of the line. This would give offensive lines more challenges to deal with, as they would have to account for two elite pass-rushers, as opposed to just one.

Additionally, pairing Sweat with another edge rusher would likely benefit the secondary as well. With more consistent pressure on the quarterback, cornerbacks and safeties would have to cover fewer seconds, increasing their chances of forcing interceptions or breaking up passes.

This kind of defensive line pressure is also crucial when it comes to stopping the run. A dominant defensive front can prevent opposing teams from establishing a strong running game, which in turn gives the Bears more flexibility in their overall defensive schemes. The ability to stop the run early and often would force teams into third-and-long situations, allowing Sweat and the new defensive rusher to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback.

The Cost of the Trade

While the potential benefits of bringing in another pass rusher are clear, there is a cost to consider. The Bears would have to give up assets, whether draft picks or players, to secure a trade for a free agent. The question is whether the Bears would be willing to part with valuable resources to secure a player who may or may not live up to expectations.

Additionally, the Bears’ salary cap situation is an important factor in this equation. Adding another high-priced player to the roster could push the Bears into difficult cap territory, and they would need to ensure that they are not jeopardizing future financial flexibility for a short-term gain. Managing the salary cap effectively will be a key part of how successful the trade would be.

 Is the Trade Worth It?

Adding another pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat could significantly improve the Bears’ defense, making them a much more formidable opponent for any team. With Sweat already providing a strong foundation on the edge, an additional FA Buddy would complement his talents and give the Bears a dynamic duo capable of generating pressure on every down.

However, there are still risks involved in trading for a defensive player. The cost in terms of draft picks or players, as well as the financial implications, must be considered carefully. The Bears have made significant strides in rebuilding their team, and adding another top-tier defensive player could push them even further toward becoming NFC contenders.

Ultimately, the decision to trade for an FA Buddy will come down to whether the Bears feel they are one player away from being serious contenders and whether they have the necessary resources to make the deal happen. If they pull the trigger, it could be the move that transforms their defense and pushes them back into playoff contention.