GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals knew exactly what they were buying when they signed linebacker Josh Sweat in 2025. They weren’t just adding a productive pass rusher. They were investing in leadership, proven playoff experience, and familiarity with former head coach Jonathan Gannon’s defensive system. Amid all the changes, Sweat has been a no-show during the Cardinals’ OTA, raising a lot of questions about his future.
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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
Don’t know the exact reason for the absence, but I’ve been hearing for awhile that Josh Sweat is not particularly happy in AZ https://t.co/kDxy09mRLg
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) May 19, 2026
Josh Sweat’s absence from voluntary OTAs has created quiet tension around the organization, not because veterans skipping workouts is uncommon, but because timing changes perception. Arizona remains a roster in transition, and when one of the franchise’s highest-paid defenders is away from the facility, fans naturally begin to connect the dots. The concern is less about attendance and more about urgency.
Jul 24, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sweat thrived under Gannon in Philadelphia, and the expectation was that Arizona could accelerate its rebuild by bringing in players already aligned with the coaching philosophy. On paper, the move made perfect sense. But rebuilding projects are rarely as clean as offseason press conferences make them sound. Now with a new head coach in Mike LaFleur, Josh Sweat will have a whole new system to try to thrive in. At 29 years old, Sweat is still in his prime. Elite edge rushers do not want to waste peak years waiting for a rebuild to stabilize. His contract runs through 2029, but financially, Arizona could realistically pivot by 2027 if the partnership fails to produce meaningful progress.
Arizona linebackers Josh Sweat (10) and Baron Browning (5) close in for the sack on Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Oct. 5, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For Cardinals fans, this is bigger than one offseason practice. It is about whether Arizona can convince established stars that the franchise is moving toward contention rather than simply building toward possibility. Sweat’s production suggests he can still anchor a defense at a championship level. Now the question becomes whether he believes Arizona can eventually do the same.
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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
