Prior to Tuesday’s trade deadline, the Atlanta Falcons reportedly made contact with former Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat, per an ESPN report. In exchange for a 2024 second-round draft pick, presently ranked No. 37 overall, Sweat was dealt to the Chicago Bears. The Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot, focused on Sweat and intended to work on a contract extension for the upcoming free agency before the Bears made a substantial offer. “Atlanta had its sights set on Sweat, but Washington went with Chicago’s offer,” stated ESPN. The Falcons were left without crucial pass-rush support as a result. According to what I gather, Sweat wanted to move to Atlanta because that is where his family resides, and Atlanta was ready to extend his contract as part of the agreement. That whole thing went apart.”
After eight games this season, 27-year-old Sweat has racked up 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hits. In five matchups, he has at least one sack.
After sustaining an ACL tear in Sunday’s 28-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans, star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett of Atlanta was lost for the season. The team quickly acquired another inside defender in Kentavius Street by sending a 2024 sixth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles. With eight quarterback hits, Jarrett is tied for second place among Falcons wide receivers, creating a significant hole in Atlanta’s pass rush, which has 15 sacks and 56 hits overall.
Evidently, Fontenot and staff felt Sweat could fill that void in the present while serving as a key piece moving forward … but it simply wasn’t meant to be.
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