NFL Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys emerge as potential landing spots for $76.4 million Arizona Cardinals star

Fresh NFL trade rumors surrounding the Arizona Cardinals and veteran pass-rusher Josh Sweat are beginning to gain attention after the edge defender skipped the early portion of voluntary OTAs this offseason. According to reports from Arizona insiders, Sweat’s absence was not related to injury. While voluntary workouts often spark speculation around the league, additional reporting also suggested that the veteran defender may not be fully satisfied with his current situation in Arizona.


That immediately fueled fresh trade talks involving multiple contenders searching for additional pass-rush help before the 2026 season began. Sweat is coming off another productive year after leading Arizona with 12 sacks during the 2025 campaign. The veteran defender has now recorded 55 sacks over the past five seasons combined and remains one of the more experienced edge rushers currently under a long-term contract. With several playoff contenders still needing defensive help, teams like the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys have quickly emerged as logical landing spots in recent NFL trade rumours.

Which teams are interested in Josh Sweat?

The Chicago Bears continue surfacing in these trade chatters because they still lack another reliable pass-rusher opposite Montez Sweat.

The Chicago Bears finished the 2025 season with only 35 sacks as a defence and reportedly explored several blockbuster defensive additions earlier this offseason. If Arizona eventually makes Josh Sweat available, the Bears could view him as a more affordable option compared to pursuing another superstar trade.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys remain another intriguing possibility after spending most of the offseason rebuilding their defensive front.
The
The Dallas Cowboys added multiple defensive pieces during recent months, but questions surrounding the team’s pass rush still remain entering the new season. Adding an experienced veteran like Sweat could immediately improve the Cowboys’ edge rotation while helping stabilise a defence that struggled with consistency last year.

What insiders are saying about the trade rumors?

According to John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Phoenix, Sweat’s OTA absence was not injury related. Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard also reported he had “been hearing for awhile” that Sweat “is not particularly happy” in Arizona.

Those comments immediately generated additional speculation because productive edge rushers rarely become available before training camp.

However, there is still no public indication that Arizona is actively shopping the veteran defender. Sweat will turn 30 next spring, but his recent production and long-term contract still make him attractive to playoff contenders looking for proven pass-rush help.

Contract details and salary cap implications

Per contract details as reported by Sportsrac, Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona that included an $18.5 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed.

Entering the 2026 season, Sweat is scheduled to carry a cap hit worth approximately $16.385 million while earning roughly $18.1 million in total cash. Spotrac also shows that Arizona would absorb approximately $31.8 million in dead cap if the team moved Sweat after June 1, although the Cardinals could still save around $10.9 million financially through such a trade.

Because productive pass-rushers remain one of the NFL’s most valuable positions, Arizona would likely seek meaningful draft compensation if trade discussions ever become serious.

League projections have estimated Sweat’s current trade value around a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that could eventually become a third-round selection depending on performance benchmarks.

How a potential trade could impact both teams

Moving Sweat would create another major defensive change for Arizona after the veteran led the team in sacks last season.

For the Chicago Bears, adding Sweat could finally provide the consistent edge presence the defense has lacked opposite Montez Sweat. Pairing both defenders together would immediately strengthen the Bears’ front seven entering another competitive NFC season.

For the Dallas Cowboys, acquiring another experienced pass-rusher could help stabilize a defensive front still trying to recover after major roster turnover over the past year.

At this point, the Cardinals are still expected to keep Sweat on the roster heading into training camp. However, with NFL trade rumors continuing quietly around the league and multiple contenders still searching for defensive help, the situation remains worth monitoring deeper into the offseason.

FAQs

Is Josh Sweat getting traded?

There is currently no official information that the Arizona Cardinals are actively shopping Sweat. But NFL trade talks increased after his absence from voluntary OTAs.

Which teams are most likely to acquire Josh Sweat?

The Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys are among the teams most frequently connected to Sweat in recent NFL trade rumors.

Why would the Cardinals consider trading Josh Sweat?

Opportunities for trades could emerge for Arizona if tensions continue to rise or the franchise prioritises capital and salary-cap flexibility.

What is Josh Sweat’s current contract?

Josh Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona that includes $38 million guaranteed.

What is Josh Sweat's 2026 cap hit?

Sweat is scheduled to carry a 2026 cap hit worth approximately $16.385 million.







Stay updated with the upcoming IPL match between RCB vs GT and the latest IPL news on Times of India. Follow the IPL schedule and track the race for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap.