Cardinals Pass Rusher Requests Trade, Eagles Interested

Josh Sweat, a former Eagles player, wants out of Arizona after his coach was fired.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat has requested a trade, and the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly interested in bringing him back. Sweat played for the Eagles for seven seasons, racking up 43 sacks and seven forced fumbles, and was instrumental in helping the team win Super Bowl LIX. He signed a lucrative deal with the Cardinals in 2024 but is now unhappy after the team fired his former coach, Jonathan Gannon, who is now the defensive coordinator in Green Bay.

Why it matters

The Eagles are in need of a pass rusher after losing several key defensive players in free agency. Sweat would be a familiar face and a proven commodity, having thrived under Gannon's coaching in Philadelphia. Bringing him back could bolster the Eagles' pass rush and provide continuity on defense.

The details

Sweat signed a four-year, $76.5 million deal with the Cardinals in 2024 after leaving the Eagles. He had a career-high 12 sacks last season, one better than the 11 he had in 2022 with the Eagles. The Eagles are reportedly interested in trading for Sweat, and the salary cap hit of $16.3 million this season is not seen as prohibitive.

  • Sweat requested a trade this week, per a source.
  • Sweat played for Jonathan Gannon during Gannon's two-year stint as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, including a Super Bowl trip in 2022.

The players

Josh Sweat

An edge rusher for the Arizona Cardinals who previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles for seven seasons, racking up 43 sacks and seven forced fumbles.

Jonathan Gannon

The former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who was recently fired. He is now the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, which could be a factor in Sweat's desire to be traded.

Howie Roseman

The general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles, who is reportedly considering a trade for Josh Sweat.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat has requested a trade this week, per a source.”

— Easton Butler, Packers writer (24/7 Sports)

What’s next

The Eagles will need to determine what it would take to acquire Sweat in a trade from the Cardinals, and whether the potential cost is worth it to bring back the former Eagles pass rusher.

The takeaway

Sweat's desire to leave the Cardinals after the firing of his former coach in Philadelphia could present an opportunity for the Eagles to bolster their pass rush with a familiar and productive player. The move would provide continuity on defense and help fill a key need for the team.