Around the league, at least two executives don't buy it.
Jason La Canfora of Casino.org spoke with NFL executives for his Week 4 notes and came away with two blunt takes.
One general manager told him, "I hear he wants out."
A longtime personnel executive went further. "I'd bet he's not there by the deadline."
La Canfora also reports Sweat is unhappy with his contract. He expects a run on pass rushers as the November 10 deadline gets closer, which should make interest in Sweat high.
The Contract Is The Sticking Point
Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with Arizona in March 2025, with $41 million guaranteed.
La Canfora says the Cardinals have him under contract for two more years beyond this season at $17 million annually.
That's $34 million for 2027 and 2028, and none of it is guaranteed. The edge market has moved since he signed.
Multiple contenders are calling the Cardinals about Josh Sweat ahead of the trade deadline. Sweat recorded 12 sacks last season for Arizona, but there appears to be a real possibility he’s dealt soon. A Day 2 pick in 2027 appears to be the value. https://t.co/CTmgfPYtPn
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) October 6, 2026
Trading for him also wouldn't cost much against the cap. ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote in September that a team acquiring him midseason would owe only about $5 million, since he has no guaranteed money beyond this year.
Graziano also laid out what would flip Arizona's stance. "If Arizona is out of it in late October and/or Sweat indicates he doesn't want to be there anymore, you'll hear his name ahead of the deadline."
Arizona's Season Isn't Helping
The Cardinals are 1-3 after a 36-24 loss to the Giants.
They went 3-14 last season, and Mike LaFleur replaced Jonathan Gannon, the coach who brought Sweat to Arizona.
Sweat had a career year in his first season there, with 12.0 sacks, 17 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles, and he was a Pro Bowl alternate.
This year has started slowly, however. He opened camp on the PUP list with a knee injury and was activated August 24.
"The idea that Josh Sweat could be dealt by Arizona has been going on for a while now.. If they get an attractive enough offer they could be dealing to trade him" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/119Qv28obO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 5, 2026
Through four games, he has one sack and seven tackles. One GM told La Canfora back in June that he thought Philadelphia, where Sweat spent his first seven seasons, could end up with him again.
