The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly weighing their options as the November 10 trade deadline approaches, with veteran pass rusher Josh Sweat emerging as a primary candidate for a mid-season move. Following a 2-5 start to the season that has left the team at the bottom of the NFC West, the organization appears to be shifting into a rebuilding phase. After already sending wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans, Arizona is now listening to inquiries regarding Sweat as they look to accumulate future draft capital.
Sweat, a 29-year-old veteran with a Super Bowl ring, is currently in the middle of a four-year, $76.4 million contract he signed in 2025. While he is under team control through 2028, the financial structure of the deal shows no guaranteed money after the 2026 season, making him a flexible asset for contending teams looking for a short-term boost or a long-term defensive anchor.
Dallas Cowboys Eye Defensive Reinforcements
Among the teams most closely linked to the Josh Sweat trade rumors are the Dallas Cowboys. Owner Jerry Jones has remained aggressive in the trade market over the past year, recently acquiring cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Dallas defense continues to struggle across multiple statistical categories, leading to speculation that another high-profile move is imminent.
As the league enters Week 8, the Cowboys' defensive unit ranks near the bottom of the NFL in several key areas:
* Total Yards Allowed: 373.7 per game (tied for third-worst in the league).
* Rushing Defense: 145.7 yards allowed per game (second-most in the NFL).
* Third-Down Efficiency: Opponents are converting at a 52% rate, the worst in the league.
* Takeaways: The unit has recorded only four takeaways, ranking 30th overall.
* Pass Rush: Dallas is currently tied for the fourth-fewest sacks and sits in the bottom 10 for total pressures.
Adding a player of Sweat's caliber could provide the immediate pressure off the edge that the Cowboys have lacked throughout the first half of the season.
Potential Reunion with Jonathan Gannon in Green Bay
Another intriguing destination for the veteran pass rusher is the Green Bay Packers. While the Packers already feature Lukas Van Ness and are anticipating the return of Micah Parsons, the connection between Sweat and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon makes Green Bay a logical suitor. Gannon served as Sweat’s defensive coordinator during their time with the Philadelphia Eagles and was the head coach in Arizona when Sweat joined the team as a free agent.
Green Bay currently maintains a 7.2% sack rate, which ranks in the top 10 of the NFL, but their 36.1% pressure rate is middle-of-the-pack. Following the Chicago Bears' recent acquisition of Jeffery Simmons, the Packers may feel compelled to bolster their front seven to keep pace in the NFC North arms race.
Buffalo Bills Seek to Fix Defensive Woes
The Buffalo Bills currently lead the AFC East with a 5-1 record, powered largely by quarterback Josh Allen, who leads the league with 17 total touchdowns. Despite their winning record, the Buffalo defense has become a significant concern for the franchise's championship aspirations. The unit currently ranks 30th in points allowed per game (28.5) and is last in the league in points allowed per drive (2.76).
Statistically, the Bills have struggled to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, ranking 20th in pressure rate and 27th in sack rate. Sweat, who recorded a career-high 12 sacks in 2025, would offer the Bills a proven edge threat as they prepare for a deep postseason run.
Josh Sweat's Career and Current Production
Before joining the Cardinals, Sweat spent seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Florida State. His tenure in Philadelphia was highlighted by a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and a victory in Super Bowl LIX over the Kansas City Chiefs, a game in which Sweat recorded 2.5 sacks.
Through seven games this season, Sweat has remained a productive member of the Arizona defense despite the team's overall struggles. His current stat line includes:
* Sacks: 2
* Quarterback Hits: 4
* Tackles for Loss: 3
While Sweat previously requested a trade following the dismissal of Gannon as Arizona's head coach last offseason, the front office initially declined. With the team now facing a last-place finish, that stance appears to have softened as the deadline looms.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NFL trade deadline for the 2026 season?
The NFL trade deadline is scheduled for November 10, marking the final day teams can acquire players from other rosters to bolster their squads for the playoffs.
What are the details of Josh Sweat's current contract?
Sweat is playing under a four-year, $76.4 million deal signed in 2025. The contract runs through 2028, but notably contains no guaranteed salary after the 2026 campaign.
Why are the Arizona Cardinals expected to trade Josh Sweat?
With a 2-5 record and sitting in last place in the NFC West, the Cardinals are viewed as sellers. The team is reportedly looking to acquire future draft capital as part of a roster transition.