Latest news with #MontezSweat
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Montez Sweat says Grady Jarrett's leadership will be key for Bears
Montez Sweat says Grady Jarrett's leadership will be key for Bears The Chicago Bears bolstered the roster this offseason with some big additions, including veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett spent his first 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, before being released ahead of free agency, and he now joins a Bears defensive line loaded with talent. Jarrett could be a big help alongside Montez Sweat and fellow free-agent signing, Dayo Odeyingbo, as well as interior linemen Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings. While Jarrett's resume speaks for itself, Sweat believes his new teammate can be beneficial both from a production and leadership standpoint, which is very much needed in the locker room. "Grady has brought a lot of leadership and experience to the room," Sweat said. "He helps out the young guys a lot. He's also kind of played in this type before. And some players haven't, including me. So he's helping out in that aspect too. So yeah, Grady is a big help right now." Getting a player in Jarrett not only helps the on-field product, but it helps build a locker room that was broken beyond belief last year. Throughout the 2024 season, amid the team's 10-game losing streak and 5-12 record, players called for more accountability and leadership. Signing players like Jarrett, who has played in a Super Bowl, will help bring back stability in the locker room and, even in his first year, will establish himself as a leader for this defense. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
CBS News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Jaquan Brisker glad to be back practicing with Bears after recovering from concussion
The Bears held their second day of mandatory minicamp at Halas Hall on Tuesday, and Pro Bowler Jaylon Johnson was among the two excused absences. But the return to active duty of another defensive back, Jaquan Brisker, was a welcome sight. Brisker said it felt great to be back on the football field. The Bears safety missed the final 11 games last season because of a concussion. "It was hard, you know, being away from football — especially week to week. You know, it was kind of, you know, getting sad, depressing, things like that, Brisker said. "But you know, got over it. It's time to move on, and I'm back now." Getting over it was not easy for Brisker. He said because of the type of concussion he had, he basically had to retrain his nervous system — doing a lot of side-to-side movements and getting his eyes moving around. This was also his third diagnosed concussion in three seasons, but Brisker says there was no talk about retiring. No, not with no one — especially not myself, not with my parents," Brisker said. "I feel like if my parents, you know, say something, it's deep. So if it didn't come from them, or come from me, I didn't hear it, to be honest." Brisker said he was not worried about himself. "No, I'm not. I'm good. I'm past that point. I'm really moving on, so I'm just focused on playing ball," he said. "I'm really clear, man. I'm really good." Brisker said his teammates, especially Montez Sweat, helped him through the toughest times last season. He added that this is just another bump in the road, and now No. 9 is back and on the field to make plays.
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears GM Ryan Poles praises Montez Sweat's offseason preparation
Bears GM Ryan Poles praises Montez Sweat's offseason preparation Expectations were high for the Chicago Bears going into the 2024 season. Not only from a record standpoint, but also for individual players and what they could produce on the field. Unfortunately, the Bears fell flat in their quest to make it back to the postseason, in part due to quite a few players not performing their best on the field. That includes defensive end Montez Sweat, who came into last season with a fresh new four-year, $98 million contract and plans to build off his impressive 2023 campaign. Instead, Sweat finished the year with 32 total tackles, nine for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles while playing in 16 games. It was a far cry from his previous season, and it left Bears fans questioning the team's investment in him, though lingering injuries played a factor in his production dip. It seems Sweat is motivated to bounce back, and his general manager is taking notice. On Thursday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles spoke with ESPN 1000's Kap & J-Hood and revealed Sweat is training at a level he has never seen from the Pro Bowl edge rusher. "I don't think there is anyone in this building working as hard as Montez Sweat right now," Poles said. "He's pushing weight, he's getting strong, he's getting in shape. He's locked in like I've never seen him before." The Bears didn't spend any major draft capital on an edge rusher, and their only significant move this offseason has been to sign Dayo Odeyingbo. The Bears are counting on Sweat to return to form, and it's reassuring to hear he's committed to getting there. That didn't always seem like the case. Early in the offseason last year, Sweat was one of the more notable players absent from voluntary workouts. Though the keyword is "voluntary" and players aren't required to show up, you always want to see the key veterans participating when they can. It sounds like Sweat is changing things up, which bodes well for the team's 2025 expectations.
