Despite their huge win over the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday, the Arizona Cardinals probably recognize that they're not going anywhere this season and are probably open to trading what few veteran stars they have. Among them is Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat, who might be happy to find greener pastures.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there's a "belief around the NFL" that Sweat is open to a trade and has been since the offseason. But the Cardinals are reportedly loath to part with him without a very good offer.
Sources: The belief around the NFL is that #Cardinals DE Josh Sweat would be open to a trade, as he has been dating back to the offseason, and it's up to Arizona whether it ultimately decides to deal him. Multiple teams would have interest in Sweat, but the asking price is believed to be high. Arizona has given the impression they're fine keeping him.
Sweat joined the Cardinals on a four-year, $76.4 million contract with $41 million guaranteed in 2025 following a seven-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles that included 43.0 sacks, 54 tackles for loss and 97 QB hits plus a 2021 Pro Bowl nod.
In his first year with the Cardinals, Sweat recorded a career-high 12.0 sacks. But it didn't really matter as the defense still ranked in the bottom 10.
This year the Cardinals defense has been worse, giving up a league-worst 29.8 points per game.
Through the first eight games, Sweat has 3.0 sacks, four tackles for loss and five QB hits.

CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 12: An Arizona Cardinals helmet sits during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals on August 12, 2022, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Worth the asking price?
After what the Chicago Bears were able to do with Jeffery Simmons in his first game since being traded from the Tennessee Titans, many NFL fans believe that Sweat would be worth the price if the Cardinals want a second-round draft pick.
"VEACH GET ON THAT PHONE!!!" one Chiefs fan begged .
"Get ready to learn 49ers buddy," another declared .
Meanwhile, Cardinals fans have dismissed the idea of trading him unless teams are willing to overpay:
"Pay the price or keep walking!" one fan demanded .
"I don't believe they'll move him before this week's game unless it's an overpay (2nd)," wrote another .
Will Sweat be the subject of the next blockbuster NFL trade?
This story was originally published by The Spun on Nov 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
