ESPN REPORT: Bears DE Montez Sweat Rejects $201 Million Offer from the Buffalo Bills, Declares “My Loyalty Lies with Chicago Bears
ESPN REPORT: Bears DE Montez Sweat Rejects $201 Million Offer from the Buffalo Bills, Declares “My Loyalty Lies with Chicago Bears
CHICAGO, IL — In one of the most surprising developments of the NFL offseason, star defensive end Montez Sweat has reportedly turned down a staggering $201 million offer from the Buffalo Bills, reaffirming his commitment to the Chicago Bears. First reported by ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the offer would have made Sweat the highest-paid defensive player in league history. But the 27-year-old made it clear that money is not the only factor in his decision-making.
According to sources close to the situation, the Buffalo Bills, desperate to bolster their pass rush after consecutive playoff letdowns, made a massive push for the Pro Bowl defensive end. Their offer included $125 million guaranteed and lucrative bonuses tied to performance, durability, and postseason success.
However, in a statement released Tuesday morning and confirmed by both his agent and the Bears front office, Sweat stunned the NFL world by declining the offer outright.
> “My loyalty lies with the Chicago Bears,” Sweat said in the statement. “This city, this team, these fans — they’ve embraced me in a way I can’t describe. I came here to build something, and I’m not walking away from that.”
Sweat’s Impact in Chicago
Acquired by the Bears in a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders in 2023, Sweat immediately transformed the Bears’ defensive front. In just 10 games with Chicago that season, he recorded 7 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and significantly improved a defense that had been near the bottom of the league in pressures and sacks.
His impact extended beyond the stat sheet. Teammates have often spoken of his leadership, work ethic, and locker room presence. Head coach Matt Eberflus called him a “cornerstone piece” of the team’s defensive identity.
> “Montez isn’t just a great player — he’s the heartbeat of our defense,” Eberflus said following the news. “He’s the kind of guy you build around. The kind of guy who changes a culture.”
The Bills’ Gamble
The Buffalo Bills’ pursuit of Sweat was aggressive and calculated. After falling short in their Super Bowl quest yet again, general manager Brandon Beane signaled that the team would make bold moves to get over the hump. With Von Miller aging and coming off an injury, the Bills saw Sweat as the ideal successor — young, productive, and durable.
League insiders suggest the Bills had been laying the groundwork for this offer for months, even engaging in quiet conversations with Sweat’s representatives during the legal tampering window.
One AFC executive, who spoke anonymously, said the Bills “weren’t just swinging big — they thought they had a deal done.”
> “You don’t make that kind of offer unless you’re confident,” the executive said. “They truly believed he was ready to jump, especially with the Bears still in a rebuild. But clearly, they underestimated how much he’s bought into what Chicago is doing.”
A Rare Stand in the Modern NFL
In an era where players often chase the biggest contract or the most immediate title opportunity, Sweat’s decision is being praised across the league as both rare and admirable. Though he signed a four-year, $98 million extension with the Bears shortly after his trade in 2023, the Buffalo offer would have more than doubled his guaranteed money and included the largest total value ever for a non-quarterback.
Veteran NFL reporter Mike Greenberg called the move “the most selfless act of loyalty” he’s seen in recent years.
> “We’ve seen stars switch teams for a fraction of that,” Greenberg said on ESPN’s Get Up! “What Montez Sweat just did sends a message to players and fans alike: sometimes it’s not about chasing the bag. Sometimes, it’s about building something where you are.”
Chicago’s Reaction: Jubilation and Relief
In Chicago, the news was met with jubilation from fans and relief within Halas Hall. Bears general manager Ryan Poles reportedly spoke with Sweat late Monday night to personally thank him for his loyalty.
> “Montez represents everything we want in this organization — grit, heart, and an unshakable commitment to the team,” Poles said in a press release. “We’re beyond grateful that he chose to stay and continue what we’ve started.”
Fans on social media erupted with praise. The hashtag #SweatLoyalty was trending in the Chicago area within minutes of the news breaking.
What’s Next for Sweat and the Bears
Sweat’s decision now solidifies Chicago’s long-term defensive strategy. With rising stars like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and rookie defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. alongside Sweat, the Bears are building one of the most promising young defensive cores in the NFL.
The team also holds multiple first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, including the No. 1 overall selection, which is widely expected to be used on USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The combination of a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal and elite defensive talent under contract has fans buzzing about a long-awaited resurgence in Chicago.
> “We’re not just trying to make noise,” Sweat said in his closing statement. “We’re trying to bring a championship to this city. And I want to be here when it happens.”
Final Thoughts: Loyalty Over Legacy
Montez Sweat’s decision to reject $201 million and stay in Chicago will go down as one of the most defining choices of the 2025 offseason. In a league where the business of football often eclipses its soul, Sweat’s commitment reminds fans and players alike what loyalty looks like.
In turning down the money, he may have just bought into something even more valuable — legacy.
