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NFL Trade Rumor: New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys linked to $76.4M Arizona Cardinals' star.(Image via X)
The Arizona Cardinals’ star player Josh Sweat has been reportedly unhappy with the team and is actively seeking a trade. As he skips OTAs, Josh Sweat has now been linked to the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Josh Sweat |
| Current Team | Arizona Cardinals |
| Rumored Teams | Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots |
| Contract Status | 3 Years Remaining (Signed a 4-year, $76.4M contract in 2025; UFA in 2029) |
| Salary Cap Hit (New Team) | $9.78 Million to $10.88 Million (Acquiring team inherits his highly affordable 2026 base salary and roster bonuses) |
| Trade Likelihood | Moderate |
| Latest Insider Update | New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys turn into top landing spots |
| Potential Return | Day 2 Pick (Expected to command a 3rd or 4th-round selection due to his proven double-digit sack production) |
Which teams are interested in Josh Sweat?
In the last few weeks, a number of teams have been linked to the Arizona Cardinals’ star player. As per NFL insiders, the New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys seem to be suitable options for Josh Sweat.
What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?
A few days ago, as per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, he noted in a recent report, “He signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with Arizona in the 2025 offseason, cashing in off a Super Bowl win with the Eagles. But obviously things didn't go well last season for the Cardinals, who have a new coach and a new defense.
Sweat is staying away from Arizona's offseason program and letting it be known he's not happy there.”ESPN’s Dan Graziano added, “The Cardinals would take on about $22 million in dead money ($5.505 million this year, $16.515 million next year) if they dealt him, which isn't a ton in today's market but means the acquiring team would probably have to make it worth their while with the compensation. New England and Dallas would make a lot of sense if Sweat were to be available.”
Contract details and salary cap implications
For the Arizona Cardinals, trading Josh Sweat would instantly clear off a whopping $10.88 million from the team’s 2026 salary cap space.But the Arizona Cardinals would be hit with $5.5 million dead money hit from his prorated signing bonus. The remaining $16.5 million in dead money would defer to Arizona’s 2027 cap.
How could the trade impact the teams?
For the Arizona Cardinals, trading Josh Sweat would clear off their team’s salary cap space for 2026 but they would end up losing their only elite pass rusher which might make their current defense weaker.For the New England Patriots, trading for Josh Sweat would be relatively affordable for the team as he would be an elite defensive leader.For the Dallas Cowboys, trading for Josh Sweat would be cheaper and he would fix the team’s weak pass rush under a defensive coach who already knows how to maximize his talent.
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