GLENDALE – In today’s NFL, elite pass rushers are treated almost like franchise quarterbacks. They change games, erase mistakes, and force offenses to completely alter their identity. That’s why the trade chatter surrounding Josh Sweat has captured attention far beyond Arizona. The reaction hasn’t just come from analysts or insiders. It’s come directly from fans of other NFL franchises.
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Josh Sweat speaks to members of the media at the Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe on March 13, 2025.
Sources: The #Cardinals have received trade calls on Pro Bowl DE Josh Sweat.
Sweat had 12 sacks last season in his first year with Arizona and had a close relationship with Jonathan Gannon, whom the Cardinals moved on from. pic.twitter.com/ateZ6r4bi4
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 26, 2026
As rumors surfaced that teams had contacted the Arizona Cardinals about Sweat’s availability, social media quickly turned into a recruiting pitch from three specific fan bases convinced he belongs with them. Chicago Bears fans see him as the final defensive weapon needed to accelerate their rebuild. Green Bay Packers supporters believe a reunion with former Cardinals defensive mind Jonathan Gannon could unlock another level of production. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles fans continue dreaming about bringing back the pass rusher who helped deliver a Super Bowl championship.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut (36) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
NFL fans react to Josh Sweat trade rumors:
He sure would look good in Chicago..
— Herman G (@bears5472) May 26, 2026
He’ll be a packer before the season starts
— 🐰 (@lillBunnyhop) May 26, 2026
most obvious eagle of all time , welcome back home goat
— Christian (@chrischin717) May 26, 2026
Hearing anything about a reunion with Gannon in Green Bay?
— Nick Blankenberg (@nick_blanke) May 26, 2026
Let’s get Sweaty pic.twitter.com/VFPtFP5b5t
— RR⁷ (@rozakis7) May 26, 2026
Bring him home pic.twitter.com/hpzbG8asyS
— Connor Delaney (@ConnorJ_Delaney) May 26, 2026
That level of demand says something important. The NFL currently lacks enough dominant edge defenders to satisfy every contender. Teams can manufacture offense through scheme, but disruptive defenders remain rare. Sweat’s versatility, motor, and ability to pressure quarterbacks without constant blitz help make him valuable in every defensive system. For Arizona, the rumors create both opportunity and pressure. Keeping Sweat signals the Cardinals believe they are building toward legitimate contention. Trading him could accelerate a rebuild with draft capital, but it also risks removing the exact type of player that franchises spend years searching for.
Cardinals Trey Benson (33) and Josh Sweat (10) warm up on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The biggest takeaway may be as simple as when fans across the league openly campaign for one defender, that player has already become one of football’s most respected difference-makers.
Why is this Arizona Cardinals defensive star sitting out of OTAs? – Burn City Sports Phoenix Sports
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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
