GLENDALE – Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur response to recent trade rumors surrounding Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat should give fans confidence. When speaking the media on Wednesday, the first-year head coach was asked about recent reports that teams have been giving trade offers for Sweat. The rumors become more believable with the 29-year-old reported frustration with the franchise.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!LaFleur doesn’t believe in the noise. He states he hasn’t heard anything and is happy that he doesn’t have to gameplan against Sweat in 2026.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) celebrates after sacking Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) in the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
LaFleur on recent trade rumors with Sweat:
Obviously, LaFleur could just be lying about not being in the know of the situation. Sweat has skipped voluntary and mandatory OTAs and has had zero news about when he’ll show up. That is fanning the flames to make the trade rumors burn mighty bright for other teams to send in their best offers. After a 12-sack season, Sweat’s prowess will catch the eyes of plenty of teams, and acting like he’s not on the block will only increase his value in the market.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur talks to the media during rookie mini-camp on May 8, 2026, at the Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center in Tempe. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 39-year-old head coach could be telling the truth, and everyone knows the roster is in dire need of defensive talent. Outside of Sweat, Arizona had 18 sacks as a team, with a third of those coming from old man Calais Campbell, who isn’t on the team anymore. Losing Sweat puts the team in a tough position to generate pressure at a high level. Keeping Sweat will be a short-term solution for the team, but trading him at the peak of his value could be more valuable in the long-term as the franchise is in the middle of a rebuild.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
