Cowboys and Packers circle Josh Sweat as Cardinals trade window tightens

Josh Sweat is attracting trade interest from multiple NFL teams as the league approaches the Nov. 10 deadline.

ESPN reported that the Arizona Cardinals pass rusher is being evaluated by several clubs. The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona in 2025. He is under contract through 2028, but has no guaranteed salary remaining after the 2026 season.

Arizona enters Week 8 with a 2-5 record. The Cardinals sit last in the NFC West. The team has already traded wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. A move involving Sweat would generate future draft capital for a team looking to rebuild.

Sweat spent his first seven professional years with the Philadelphia Eagles. The team drafted him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Florida State. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and helped Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX. In that game, he recorded 2.5 sacks. During his first season with Arizona in 2025, he posted a career-high 12 sacks and 17 quarterback hits. This year, he has two sacks, four quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss in seven games.

Tensions between Sweat and the Cardinals front office have existed for some time. Reports indicated he requested a trade after Jonathan Gannon was fired as head coach last offseason. Gannon had served as defensive coordinator in Philadelphia where he coached Sweat. The Cardinals denied the request at the time. The organization is now reconsidering its stance as its season falters.

The Dallas Cowboys are among the teams monitoring the situation. Jerry Jones has been active in strengthening the defense over the past year. The team recently traded for corner Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas needs help on the defensive front line. The team is tied for the third-most total yards allowed per game at 373.7. It allows the second-most rushing yards per game at 145.7. The defense is last in opponent third-down conversion rate at 52% and 30th in takeaways with four. Dallas is tied for the fourth-fewest sacks in the league.

The Green Bay Packers also appear interested in the reunion with Gannon. Gannon is currently the defensive coordinator in Green Bay. He previously coached Sweat in Philadelphia. The Packers have a 7.2% sack rate, which ranks in the top 10. They also have a 36.1% pressure rate. The team will get star edge rusher Micah Parsons back soon. They already have Lukas Van Ness on the roster. Green Bay could look to add depth after the Chicago Bears acquired Jeffery Simmons earlier this week.

The Buffalo Bills represent another potential destination. The team is 5-1 and leads the AFC East. Quarterback Josh Allen leads the NFL with 17 total touchdowns. However, the Bills defense ranks 30th in points allowed per game at 28.5. It is 27th on third down at 45% and last in points allowed per drive at 2.76. The unit is 20th in pressure rate and 27th in sack rate. Adding Sweat would provide an immediate boost to the pass rush for a team in a Super Bowl window.

Teams are inquiring about Sweat's availability as the deadline approaches. The Cardinals have not announced a decision. The market for veteran pass rushers remains active with several contenders seeking upgrades.