GLENDALE – ESPN ranked the newest member of the Arizona Cardinals, linebacker Josh Sweat, near the bottom of his top 50 projected pass rushers for the 2025 NFL Season.
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Arizona linebacker Sweat (10) works out during the team’s practice at State Farm Stadium on July 29, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Sweat was listed at 43rd with a projected sack total of 6.7 sacks on the season. ESPN analyst Seth Walder did admit that his model didn’t include the NFL postseason stats, which would have considerably helped his ranking after his incredible performance in Super Bowl 58.
Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025. © Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Recently, the Arizona Cardinals addressed their pass rush by signing Josh Sweat to a four-year $76.4 million deal. Last season for the Philadelphia Eagles, Sweat had eight sacks along with 27 solo tackles. Arizona would need Sweat to be a game-changer like he was for the Eagles in his playoff run if they expect their defense to take a step forward. The Cardinals’ newly formed defense will have multiple leaders, including Calais Campbell and Budda Baker, though it will need Sweat to be a leader as well.
Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen Paris Johnson Jr. (70) battles outside linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 25, 2025. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Concerns about Josh Sweat for the Arizona Cardinals:
One of the biggest notes on Sweat being placed down the list is because over the past four seasons, Sweat’s pass rush win rate has dropped from 24% to 22% to 20% to 11%.. (Credit: Seth Walder | ESPN). The Eagles also have had a massive heap of talent on their defensive side, which has given Sweat more opportunities to shine. Now with more eyes on him, one of the biggest upcoming questions for the 2025 NFL season will be how much productivity the Cardinals will get out of Josh Sweat.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
