LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Washington selected Montez Sweat with the No. 26 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, and the edge rusher spent four-plus seasons there as a productive member of that defense.

He had 35.5 sacks, 85 quarterback hits, 47 total tackles for a loss and nine forced fumbles with the organization, but it became clear Sweat wasn’t going to get paid his worth by a struggling team that had already invested heavily in its defensive line.

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Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen got big contracts, making it difficult to keep pouring money into one position group. That fact, combined with Washington’s losing record and the need to acquire assets to help elsewhere, put Sweat on the trade block.

Sweat was a guy you pay, but Washington just couldn’t keep him or fellow first-round end Chase Young on expiring contracts. Young went to San Francisco.

Sweat went to Chicago for a valuable 2024 second-round pick. The Bears reaped rewards for that. The Mississippi State product revitalized an ailing pass rush with six sacks and a forced fumble in nine games, while making those around him better.

Sweat also got what he sought, agreeing to a four-year, $105 million deal, per NFL Network, with $98 million in new money and $72.9 million guaranteed.

In sum, both teams and the player involved got what they wanted from the trade. That’s why Sunday’s game between the Bears and Commanders at Northwest Stadium doesn’t feel like a revenge game.

“I think like any other player would be, they would be a little offended, but it’s a business and I understand what comes with that,” Sweat said. “I was offended, but I didn’t take it personal.”

As a note, Sweat was specifically asked if he was offended by the trade, likely why he adopted that specific term. Overall, though, the thought of playing Washington didn’t rile him up. He seemed excited about the prospect of seeing old friends and playing in the stadium where he used to star.

Part of that stems from the fact Sweat’s happy in Chicago, with a Pro Bowl appearance and a fat contract signed since he arrived here. He was also felt like a valued presence and franchise player the Bears can build around. That helped him transition to his new team and town quickly.

“It’s just a good environment,” Sweat said. “You’re around guys you want to play for. You’re around coaches you want to play for. That makes you want to go hard. That adds a big part to your game.”

Sweat adds a ton to the Bears defense, well beyond his on-field production. Whether the Bears expected that or not, Sweat has been a mentor since he arrived and got his new deal. He got the contract he wanted and knows he’ll be in Chicago a while, so he’s trying to make the team better and set things up for success. That includes getting the line together for Thursday Night Football, some extra film work and chemistry-building time together.

“First of all, he’s got a well-rounded skill set. He has tremendous leadership attributes,” defensive coordinator Eric Washington said in a press conference. “I think I mentioned back in training camp how we were walking off the football field and Montez decided to lend some of his perspective on how he tries to set up his rushes against different protection concepts, so that’s who he is.

“He’s a person that’s big-play capable every time that he lines up. He’s a person that you can win because of and not just with. We’re glad to have him on the team. I’m glad that he’s here and I’m looking forward to what he’s going to do this week.”

Sweat isn’t set this week up to be a massive game in his mind, an opportunity to show Washington what it’s missing.

When asked if he circled this upcoming game on the calendar, Sweat said “not necessarily.” Well, Montez, do you want to do serious damage against your old team?

“I mean, I want to do damage every week,” Sweat said. “So, maybe this week is maybe a little motivation. But it’s just another week.”