Why Montez Sweat could be the key for the Chicago Bears’ defense in 2026

In 2025, Montez Sweat had his second-best NFL season. The defensive end recorded a team-high 10 sacks and led the Chicago Bears with 44 pressures. He also registered 13 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

The team ranked 31st in the league in pass rush win rate, but selected only one defensive lineman in the draft. Chicago chose former Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan van den Berg at No. 213. The lack of reinforcement for the unit signals that it trusts its veterans, especially their improvement this offseason.

ESPN highlighted that the Bears sent only four or fewer pass rushers to pressure quarterbacks in 72% of their plays. They achieved a 5% sack percentage, good for 23rd in the NFL. However, Chicago’s defense is ready to silence the doubters.

Montez Sweat will lead the Chicago Bears’ D-line

Bears general manager Ryan Poles believes that the secondary will be key in helping Sweat and the D-line produce more sacks. He will rely on the unit to delay opposing quarterbacks’ passes.

“Obviously the D-line helps the back end more often than not,” Poles said, via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin. “But in this situation, where we have good corners, good safeties, we can be in a position where maybe we can have the quarterback hold the ball a little longer.”

Chicago addressed its need for safety by drafting former Oregon Ducks star Dillon Thieneman at No. 25. It also strengthened the D-line by signing Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street and James Lynch in free agency. Poles expects the secondary’s coverage to lead to more quarterback pressures.

Nevertheless, Cronin is adamant that Sweat will be the key to the Bears’ defense in 2026.

“Sweat was by far the most effective pass rusher on the Bears, and it wasn’t close,” wrote the ESPN analyst. “And he is once again whom Chicago will need to rely on while the team figures out who will be his complement at defensive end.”

The Bears’ high-octane offense compensated for the defense in 2025. However, if their scheme works, it would make the team even harder to beat. Sweat and his unit’s performance could serve as a barometer for how far Chicago can go next season, especially with the league’s toughest schedule.

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