3 Hypothetical Trades for Josh Sweat: The Arizona Cardinals could have a bountiful market for the star edge rusher
Trading edge rusher Josh Sweat shouldn’t be on the Arizona Cardinals plans for the offseason, but it might happen anyway.
The Arizona Cardinals are in yet another period of transition with head coach Mike LaFleur taking over. When a new head coach comes into an organization, changes are inevitable, and that appears to be the case.
The Cardinals are taking calls on edge rusher Josh Sweat, who signed with the team ahead of the 2025 season.
Trading Sweat would be an interesting decision for the Cardinals, who signed him to a four-year contract worth $76.4 million. Making the trade will be a big deal from an on-field and salary cap perspective. This season, it will save the Cardinals $10.88 million with $5.505 million in dead salary cap, with $16.25 million in dead salary cap in 2027.
Who could be options for a Sweat trade? There are some fascinating options, and they are all in the same ballpark when it comes to compensation.
3 hypothetical trade ideas for Arizona Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat
Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs receive: EDGE Josh Sweat
Cardinals receive: 2027 3rd and 6th round picks
The Kansas City Chiefs need a veteran edge rusher. If George Karlaftis were to go down, they would be stranded with a bunch of guys in the edge room who have little to no experience. The problem is, the Chiefs aren’t known for making huge trades like this, and I don’t think they will. But the fit would be good. Getting Sweat lined up from across Karlaftis with Chris Jones next to him could be elite, and he could serve as the starter with two years, potentially, left in his deal, while the young guys continue to develop. The issue is, I think the Chiefs would definitely be the team to send the lowest amount of draft capital in this trade.
– Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Las Vegas beat writer.
Chicago Bears
Bears receive: EDGE Josh Sweat
Cardinals receive: Conditional 2027 4th round pick (can turn into a 3rd based on performance)
The Bears surprised virtually everyone this offseason when the team opted against adding a defensive end to the roster, despite being linked to Maxx Crosby and multiple first-round options. As things stand, the Bears are expected to head into OTAs with the same players at the position with the hope that better coaching can maximize their talent. With Super Bowl aspirations, the Bears can’t afford to let a disappointing pass rush ruin this team’s potential. Adding Josh Sweat opposite Montez Sweat would give Dennis Allen two top-level starters while having an emerging player in Austin Booker to rotate in. This offer would be reasonable for a player of Sweat’s caliber and would allow the Bears to ease all concerns about the pass rush. Preventing him from landing in Green Bay would be icing on the cake.
– Kole Noble, A to Z Sports Chicago beat writer.
Green Bay Packers
Packers receive: EDGE Josh Sweat
Cardinals receive: 2027 4th and 7th-round picks
The Cardinals would probably need to absorb a part of Sweat’s salary, but not a big one — the Packers have enough room to absorb his full salary. The Packers received a 2027 fourth-round pick for Rashan Gary, so sending that plus a sweetener to Arizona for a slightly better edge rusher would be viable. The thing about Sweat is that he perfectly fits Jonathan Gannon’s system, so he would be a significant upgrade over Gary while Micah Parsons is out — and as a rotational piece after Parsons gets back.
The Packers wouldn’t be willing to go much beyond that compensation package, though, because next year’s draft class is strong. Moreover, Brian Gutekunst needs volume of picks after making just six selections in 2026.
– Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay beat writer.
Cardinals should select a trade proposal from Chiefs
All three trade offers are good, and in the same general range. The biggest of the three trade offers wins the sweepstakes, as the Chiefs not only offered two picks, but were the only guarantee of a third-round pick.
Let’s make it abundantly clear: trading Sweat is not what’s best for business. He was great last season for the Cardinals, and that defense needs more players like Sweat, not trading them for a mid-day two selection.
If they do make a trade, the Chiefs do make the most sense, plus it’s a good fit for Sweat.