The Philadelphia Eagles could definitely use some more pass-rushing depth after losing Jaelan Phillips to free agency, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has identified a familiar face as a potential target: Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat.
Sweat has expressed displeasure about his situation in Arizona this offseason, and while he has participated in the Cardinals’ offseason program, trade speculation has continued to surge around the former Pro Bowler.
“While Arizona may not be publicly angling to move the 29-year-old, that doesn’t mean it won’t accept a strong offer. Sweat should hope it will since the Cardinals are more likely to contend for the top pick in the 2027 draft than a playoff spot,” Knox wrote.
Sweat began his career with the Eagles in 2018 and spent his first seven seasons in Philadelphia, ultimately winning a Super Bowl with the Birds during the 2024-25 campaign.
The Florida State product secured his lone Pro Bowl appearance in 2021 after registering 45 tackles and 7.5 sacks, but his best season in Philly came the following year when he racked up 48 tackles, 11 sacks and an interception.
Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona in March 2025 and proceeded to have a strong debut campaign in the desert, rattling off 30 tackles and 12 sacks. He also tallied a respectable 73.6 pass-rushing grade at Pro Football Focus.
The Eagles certainly missed Sweat last year, which was why they acquired Phillips in a midseason trade. However, Phillips departed Philadelphia to sign with the Carolina Panthers this past spring.
Philly then acquired Jonathan Greenard in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings back in April, but Greenard managed just 38 tackles and three sacks in 2025.
The Eagles are hoping for a breakout campaign from third-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt this fall, and defensive lineman Moro Ojomo did log six sacks last season.
Regardless, Philadelphia could absolutely stand to add another pass rusher, and if a reunion with Sweat becomes available, it may very well decide to pursue it.
Whether or not the Cardinals actually choose to move him, however, is another story.
The Eagles won 11 games and lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs last year.
