The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly considering trade offers for veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat as the NFL trade deadline approaches. Several contending franchises have emerged as potential suitors for the 29-year-old defender, including:

  • The Dallas Cowboys
  • The Buffalo Bills
  • The Kansas City Chiefs

According to reports from ESPN, the Cardinals are looking to capitalize on Sweat's value to jumpstart their roster reconstruction.

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The Dallas Cowboys' search for a solution to 10 total sacks

The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bolster a defense that has struggled to generate consistent pressure. As reported by ESPN, the Cowboys have expressed interest in acquiring Josh Sweat to address a unit that has recorded only 10 sacks through the first seven games. This lack of production has left Dallas with the fifth-lowest sack total in the NFL and a pressure rate of 32.8 percent, which ranks ninth-lowest in the league.

The upcoming matchup against Arizona provides a critical window for the Cowboys' scouting staff. Because the team is currently 3-5 and fighting for a playoff spot in the NFC,the opportunity to evaluate Sweat up close during Arizona's visit to Dallas is seen as a vital step before any potential trade deadline move. the report suggests that adding Sweat could help fill the defensive vacuum left by the recent loss of Micah Parsons.

Buffalo's 30 percent pressure rate and Kansas City's sack drought

Contending teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are also monitoring the Arizona Cardinals' edge rusher to shore up their defenses for a postseason run. While the Bills have enjoyed a 6-1 start, their defense has allowed the second-most yards per game and the third-most points per game in the league. The report notes that Buffalo's defensive pressure rate of 30.0 percent is the second-lowest in the NFL, creating a need for a complementary piece to pair with Gregory Rousseau.

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing similar challenges with an underperforming pass rush. Despite the aggressive schemes of head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs have recorded the sixth-fewest quarterback pressures and a sack rate of just 3.4 percent. Adding a versatile defender like Sweat could provide the depth necessary to improve their efficiency heading into the postseason.

Arizona's demand for a high second-round pick amid a 3-5 start

The Arizona Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase that involves moving on from several veteran players. Following a difficult 3-14 season that led to the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon, the team is currently sitting in last place in the NFC West with a 3-5 record.

The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a high second-round pick in exchange for Sweat, who is currently playing under a four-year, $76 million contract.. this move would signal a definitive shift in the team's strategy as they attempt to reshape their roster for the future.

The uncertainty surrounding Sweat's knee health and 2026 production

Significant questions remain regarding whether Josh Sweat can return to the elite form he displayed in 2025. During that season, he recorded 12 sacks and four forced fumbles, but his 2026 production has dropped to just two sacks and 16 total tackles through seven games.

There is also uncertainty regarding his physical health and recent performance metrics.. While Sweat has returned to play seven games this season, his current pressure rate of 11.2 percent is a notable departure from his career peak. Additionally, the long-term impact of his knee injury , which saw him start the season on the physically unable to perform list, remains an unverified concern for any acquiring franchise.