As the NFL's November 10 trade deadline nears, Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat has emerged as a notable name in trade discussions across the league. The Cardinals, sitting at 2-5 and last in the NFC West, are viewed as potential sellers after already trading former first-round wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. Sweat, 29, signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona in 2025 free agency, but has no guaranteed salary after the 2026 season, according to Over The Cap.
Sweat's Career and Current Season
Sweat spent his first seven NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2018 out of Florida State. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX, recording 2.5 sacks in the championship victory over Kansas City. In his first season with the Cardinals in 2025, Sweat posted a career-high 12 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Through seven games this season, he has two sacks, four quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss.
Trade Request and Organizational Context
Sweat's future in Arizona has been uncertain since the offseason. He reportedly requested a trade after head coach Jonathan Gannon — his former defensive coordinator in Philadelphia — was fired. The Cardinals' front office denied that request at the time, but the team's trajectory toward a last-place finish in 2026 may have shifted the organization's stance, prompting inquiries from other clubs.
Potential Landing Spots
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys are among the teams monitoring Sweat's availability. Owner Jerry Jones has been active in bolstering the defense, recently acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas enters Week 8 tied for the third-most total yards allowed per game (373.7) and second-most rushing yards allowed (145.7). The defense ranks last in opponent third-down conversion rate (52%) and 30th in takeaways (4), while also sitting near the bottom in sacks and pressures.
Green Bay Packers: Green Bay's interest is largely tied to defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who coached Sweat in Philadelphia and followed him to Arizona. The Packers already feature edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and await the return of star edge Micah Parsons. Green Bay's sack rate (7.2%) ranks just inside the top 10, but the rapport between Gannon and Sweat could motivate a reunion, especially after the Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons earlier this week.
Buffalo Bills: Buffalo sits atop the AFC East at 5-1 with quarterback Josh Allen leading the NFL in total touchdowns (17). However, the defense ranks 30th in points allowed per game (28.5), 27th on third down (45%), 31st in penalties per game (3.7), and last in points allowed per drive (2.76). The pass rush ranks 20th in pressure rate and 27th in sack rate. Adding Sweat, with his double-digit sack ceiling, could provide an immediate edge presence as the Bills push for a Super Bowl.
