Andrew Buller-Russ
There are 32 teams in the NFL, and the Arizona Cardinals are expected to be one of the league’s worst. After going 3-14 last season, finishing in fourth place of the NFC West, that’s the expectation when hiring a first-year head coach and moving forward with a veteran journeyman starting quarterback like Jacoby Brissett.
The Cardinals’ voluntary organized team activities got underway on May 18, but they were missing a key member of the roster, former Pro Bowl pass-rusher Josh Sweat. As noted, these workouts are entirely voluntary, so there is no punishment for players who choose not to attend.
According to 98.7 FM Phoenix’s John Gambadoro, Sweat is not hurt. Then, Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard poured gas on the fire by revealing that Sweat is “not particularly happy in AZ.”
Sweat, 29, recorded a career-high 12 sacks and four forced fumbles last season. It was his first season in Arizona after signing a four-year, $76.5 million contract with the Cardinals in free agency after helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX.
Yet, Sweat signed when the Cardinals were coached by Jonathan Gannon, a defensive mind. While the Cardinals are now led by an offensive mind in first-year coach Mike LaFleur, not much should change for Sweat, who will still be playing for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis for the second season in a row.
Perhaps Sweat wants a raise after individually dominating for a bottom-tier defense. Sweat’s contract has him ranking 21st in annual average salary among edge rushers, but he performed at an elite level last season. His $16.3 million cap hit is more than reasonable for the type of production Sweat had in 2025.
Perhaps he feels like Arizona isn’t in a position to compete, and wants to join a contender, whatever it is; Sweat is trying to send a message.
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