As the NFL's November 10 trade deadline approaches, Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat has emerged as a prominent name in trade discussions across the league. The 29-year-old defensive end, signed to a four-year, $76.4 million contract in 2025, has no guaranteed salary after the 2026 season, making him a movable asset for a Cardinals team sitting at 2-5 and last in the NFC West.
Sweat, a fourth-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021 and recorded 2.5 sacks in the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory. His first season in Arizona saw a career-high 12 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. Through seven games in 2026, he has two sacks, four quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. Sweat reportedly requested a trade after head coach Jonathan Gannon — his former defensive coordinator in Philadelphia — was fired last offseason, but the request was denied at the time.
With Arizona already having traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans, the front office may now be open to moving Sweat for future draft capital. Several teams are reportedly inquiring about his availability.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are among the teams monitoring Sweat's situation. Owner Jerry Jones has been aggressive in upgrading 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%), 30th in takeaways (4), tied for the fourth-fewest sacks, and in the bottom 10 in quarterback pressures. Adding a proven pass rusher like Sweat would address a critical need.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay presents an intriguing fit due to the presence of Jonathan Gannon, now the Packers' defensive coordinator. Gannon coached Sweat in Philadelphia and followed him to Arizona as head coach. The Packers already feature edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and await the return of star Micah Parsons. Their defense boasts a 7.2% sack rate (top 10) and a 36.1% pressure rate (mid-table). Reuniting Sweat with Gannon could bolster a unit looking to keep pace in an NFC North arms race after the Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills, sitting atop the AFC East at 5-1 with quarterback Josh Allen leading the NFL in total touchdowns (17), are in a clear Super Bowl window. However, their 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). Buffalo's pass rush sits 20th in pressure rate and 27th in sack rate. Sweat's double-digit sack ceiling would provide an immediate edge presence as the playoff push intensifies.
