Quinn Harris/Getty
Other than quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears’ most important, pivotal piece for the upcoming season is defensive end Montez Sweat. He’s the most expensive player on the roster, accounting for nearly 9% of the salary cap at $25.1 million, and will make an enormous difference either way if the Bears finally fix their pass rush.
They made a huge investment on the defensive line this offseason — $90.1 million on multi-year deals for Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, plus a second-round pick on Shemar Turner — but they’ll still go as Sweat goes.
If Sweat can’t get back on track with a double-digit sack season, no one else on the depth chart has proven they can do it.