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Josh Sweat
EDGE · GB

Josh Sweat

Position EDGE
Team GB
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Josh Sweat

NFL edge rusher. Position: EDGE. Team: Arizona Cardinals (as of Jun 11, 2026).

Quick Facts

  • Position: EDGE Rusher
  • Team: Arizona Cardinals
  • Contract: 4-year, $76.4M deal signed with Arizona (Mar 2025)
  • Drafted: 2018, Round 4, Philadelphia Eagles

2026 Outlook

At 29 years old, Sweat recorded 12 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 17 games for the Cardinals in 2025, establishing himself as a productive veteran edge presence. However, his tenure in Arizona faces uncertainty after the team fired head coach Jonathan Gannon in January 2026—Gannon was the primary architect of Sweat's signing and the two shared offensive success during their prior partnership. Trade rumors persist as of June 2026 with reports suggesting Philadelphia (his original team) and potentially other contenders could pursue him. New Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur stated Sweat is in good health and hasn't been sidelined by injury, only unavailable during earlier offseason phases. The Cardinals made no outside linebacker additions through the draft, suggesting the team values retaining Sweat despite the coaching change (per NFL GM Believes Josh Sweat Trade Rumors Aren't Done).

October trade-deadline profile (Oct 1, 2026): Sweat remains a prime trade candidate as the November 10 deadline approaches. At age 29 on a $76.4M contract with no guaranteed money beyond 2026, he could provide the final defensive piece for a championship-contending team. His 2025 performance with the Eagles—including a strong Super Bowl 60 showing against Kansas City (2.5 sacks of Patrick Mahomes)—and ability to set an edge effectively as a 3-4 linebacker make him an attractive acquisition. Potential buyers would assume the remaining contract years, but his veteran pass-rush production and win-now value could justify the cost for teams eyeing a title run. For teams willing to commit to a defensive upgrade, Sweat's $76.4M deal post-2026 is reasonable for an elite edge presence. (per 13 NFL players who could be trade targets, including T.J. Watt and George Pickens)

As of mid-June, the Chicago Bears have emerged as a likely suitor—Bears GM Ryan Poles reportedly showed interest in acquiring edge rusher Maxx Crosby before his trade to Baltimore, and a Sweat-Montez Sweat edge duo could provide a dominant pass rush. Sweat is reportedly unhappy in Arizona, and his timeline (age 30 in March 2027) doesn't align with the Cardinals' rebuild. A midseason trade remains realistic if Chicago contends (per Bears Trade Prediction Sees Chicago Right Biggest Wrong of 2026 Offseason).

By July, Philadelphia is actively exploring a trade to bring Sweat back to the Eagles in exchange for DT Jalen Carter and draft capital, capitalizing on his unhappiness in Arizona and a familiar environment where he was an integral part of their Super Bowl 59 championship team from 2018-2024. (per Philadelphia Eagles urged to trade All Pro defender before 2026 NFL season).

August 26 update – Cutdown candidate with high market value: As the 53-man roster deadline approaches, Sweat remains a prime trade candidate despite coming off the Cardinals' PUP list. His 2025 campaign (12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles) established him as a productive veteran edge, but Arizona's coaching change and reported preference for a rebuild make him expendable. A potential buyer would assume the remaining three years of his $76.4M contract, making him a high-value trade target for contenders seeking immediate pass-rush help (per Anthony Richardson, Joey Porter Jr. among potential trade candidates with NFL cutdown day looming).

September 5 update – Trade request confirmed: As of Sept 5, Josh Sweat has formally requested a trade from Arizona ahead of the November 11 trade deadline. The Cardinals remain among the players most likely to be dealt before the cutoff (per 5 NFL Stars Who Could Be Traded Before the November Deadline - Sportsnaut).

October 6 update – Trade deadline compensation: Spotrac projects Sweat at 4th-5th round return value heading into the midseason deadline. At age 29 with $8.4M cap charge and $43.8M cash remaining through 2028 (though 2027-28 not guaranteed), Arizona could revisit a deal if its season continues to struggle, though recent improvements suggest the team is more of a buyer than seller (per 10 Early NFL Trade Candidates - Spotrac).

October 14 update – theScore trade-deadline profile: Sweat remains Arizona's most tradeable veteran pass rusher heading into the Nov. 10 deadline. With one sack through five weeks and the Cardinals' internal evaluations underway, the team could move him to a contender for draft capital. His formal trade request earlier in the season and the Cardinals' willingness to move Harrison Jr. signal management's openness to dealing veteran talent for future assets. (per NFL trade watch: 8 players who could be moved before the deadline - theScore)

Role / Depth Chart

Primary pass rusher in Arizona. Status uncertain pending potential trades.

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources

What the Experts Are Saying

Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenInsider NFL Mock Draft (Giants & Rams HUGE Trades)