Bears Pro Bowler reflects on 'toxic' situation with Commanders

Edge rusher Montez Sweat was traded from the Washington Commanders to the Chicago Bears 10 months ago.

The 2023 Pro Bowler discussed his first four-plus seasons in the nation's capital in a recent interview with Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times and didn't have the most pleasant things to say about his exit from the organization.

"I definitely made a transition to a better spot for me," Sweat said, per Lieser . "(Shoot), this was my first Pro Bowl and first double-digit sack year and all those types of things. I reached some accolades that I always had aspirations of getting but never reached in Washington. You could definitely say it worked out better for me."

Washington selected the 27-year-old with the 26th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and he had one of his best seasons in 2020, finishing with 9.0 sacks and six passes defended. Sweat set career highs in quarterback hits (28) and tackles for loss (14) in 2022.

The Commanders went just 28-45-1 during his time with the team and finished last in the NFC East three times.

"It was a toxic, heavy toll, just losing and people around you being kind of OK with losing," Sweat said. "It could sometimes rub off on you. You’ve gotta stay hungry and know that you want to win."

Chicago hasn't been a contender in over a decade, having gone the last 13 seasons without a playoff win. Furthermore, the Bears haven't had a winning campaign since 2018 and haven't made the postseason since 2020.

With first overall pick Caleb Williams leading an offense that already had star wideout D.J. Moore and has added ninth overall selection Rome Odunze, six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen and Pro Bowl running back D'Andre Swift, the Bears should improve on their 18th-ranked unit from last season.

Sweat is joined by Pro Bowl defensive back Jaylon Johnson among others as leaders on the Chicago defense, which ranked 20th in points allowed per game last season (22.3).