Andrew Buller-Russ
The Dallas Cowboys traded Micah Parsons away just before the 2025 season was set to kick off. While the trade brought substantial draft compensation (two first-round picks) plus Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark, the deal’s timing didn’t give the Cowboys much of a chance to replace the All-Pro edge rusher.
Roughly a year later, the Cowboys have made a string of moves to boost production at the position. They’ve traded for former Pro Bowler Rashan Gary and spent a first-round pick on Malachi Lawrence, plus a fourth-round selection on LT Overton. But is it enough? There could be someone else who jumps on the Cowboys’ radar.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, former Pro Bowl pass rusher Josh Sweat continues to let it be known that he is “not happy” with the Arizona Cardinals. This echoes earlier reports from when the 29-year-old avoided the team’s recent voluntary organized team activities.
“Sweat is staying away from Arizona’s offseason program and letting it be known he’s not happy there. An acquiring team would take on a guaranteed $17 million in 2027 compensation for Sweat, and none of the remaining years or money on his contract is guaranteed after that. That’s a good deal for a player such as Sweat and should result in decent outside interest. 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.”
ESPN’s Dan Graziano on Josh Sweat
Despite the Cardinals being one of the NFL’s worst teams last season, Sweat was a superstar, recording 12 sacks. Plus, the circumstances have since changed. When he signed that $76 million contract, Sweat was joining his former defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, who was head coach of the Cardinals. Gannon has since been fired after the Cardinals won just three games in 2025.
It’s understandable that Sweat would want a change of scenery, and perhaps a raise now that he’s sitting outside the top-20 of highest-paid edge rushers. He could be a great fit in Dallas as they seek better production off the edge.
Related: 4 Josh Sweat Trade Landing Spots After Pro Bowler’s OTA Absence
