PHOENIX – The second season of Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was a stellar improvement over his debut year. The franchise went 8-9, its best record since 2021, and entered the offseason with something it hasn’t had in a while: hope. Arizona had the money to spend in free agency to build off an encouraging 2024, and it achieved that by signing Pro-Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat for $76.4 million on a four-year deal.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Cardinals were bottom five in the NFL for quarterback sacked percentage, signing Sweat fixes that problem. Sweat is coming off a sensational 2.5 sack performance in the Super Bowl that ended the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. The former Philadelphia Eagle picked the perfect place to excel before entering free agency looking to get paid, which Arizona was happy to do.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat (19) against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals held the introductory press conference for Josh Sweat on Friday. When asked why he signed with the franchise, Sweat said it was a “no-brainer.”
Full Cardinals introductory press conference for Josh Sweat:
LB Josh Sweat joins the media from Dignity Health Training Center for his introductory press conference. https://t.co/bUU6P3GJdU
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) March 13, 2025
Gannon was Sweat’s defensive coordinator for two seasons while at Philadelphia. Being able to reunite with his former coach was ideal for Sweat because of Gannon’s “energy.” The Cardinals staff is filled with former Eagles coaches, including defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, who was the linebacker coach for Sweat in Philly.
Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat (19) pass rushes against the New York Giants New York Giants guard Joshua Ezeudu (75) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sweat continued that he sees Arizona as a rising franchise, doubling its wins from the previous year. The 27-year-old is chomping at the bit to chase a quarterback with the Red Sea behind him at State Farm Stadium.
Entering the offseason, fans pleaded for the Cardinals to improve their lackluster pass rush. General Manager Monti Ossenfort did that, and then some with the signing of Sweat, and raised the sealing of what Arizona’s defense is capable of in 2025.
Arizona Cardinals sign premier backup quarterback in free agency
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
