GLENDALE – One of the biggest signings of this NFL free agency period has recently been met with major concerns. The Arizona Cardinals were the favorites to land Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat in the offseason. The Super Bowl champion was coming off the best start in his career in the big game and was due for a massive payday. He received that in a 4-year $76.4 million contract, $41 million guaranteed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The signing was initially met with praise from different media outlets but has taken a slight dip recently. The Athletic’s Mike Sando talked to multiple NFL executives, and some had strong words against the Newest Cardinals edge rusher.
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
Two NFL executives concerns with Cardinals signing Sweat:
- “Sweat has been a really good, solid, steady player, but they will have to manage his knee,” an exec said. “Is he going to practice every day? There is so much risk involved already. Why compound it?”
- “Having that familiarity will help,” another exec said of the Sweat signing, “but do I think Sweat is a great player? No. He helps them but doesn’t move the needle a great deal.”
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
The Cardinals had one of the worst pass rush in the league last season, and executives don’t believe the Sweat addition will magically fix it overnight. General Manager Monti Ossenfort did make other key signings in the trenches, with Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson, that’ll aid Arizona’s pressure.
While NFL executives have pointed out health concerns with Sweat, the 28-year-old is in the prime of his career and is coming off arguably his best season. The Cardinals needed to make the signing, and the only thing left is for Sweat to prove he’s worth the money.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
