Speculation is mounting around Arizona Cardinals edge-rusher Josh Sweat, who has been absent from OTAs. Sweat led the team with 12 sacks in 2025. His absence is reportedly not injury-related, but it may signal his discontent with the Cardinals.
According to reports, Sweat “is not particularly happy” in Arizona, fueling rumours of a potential trade.
Potential Trade Value and Contract Considerations
If the Cardinals make the 29-year-old edge-rusher available, several teams are expected to show interest. Pass-rushers are typically in demand.
Sweat has reached double-digit sacks in two of his eight pro seasons, logging 55 sacks over his last five seasons. He has three years remaining on his four-year, $76.4 million contract.
Trading Sweat after June 1 would save the Cardinals $10.9 million, but it would also trigger a $31.8 million dead-cap hit. Trading him before June 1 would cost an additional $5.6 million in 2026 cap space.
The Cardinals are likely to want a reasonable return for Sweat, potentially starting the bidding at a similar price to what the Philadelphia Eagles paid for Jaelan Phillips.
Projected Trade Value: Conditional 2027 4th-round pick that can become a 3rd-rounder based on statistical thresholds.
Teams Potentially Interested in Sweat
Several teams could be interested in acquiring Sweat if he becomes available. The Chicago Bears, despite winning the NFC North this past season, had a defense that produced just 35 sacks as a unit.
The Bears reportedly had interest in Maxx Crosby, although not at the same price point as the Baltimore Ravens.
The Cardinals’ willingness to trade Sweat will likely depend on the offers they receive and their appetite for absorbing a significant dead-cap hit.