GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals will get another starter from last year to return for mandatory minicamp in edge Josh Sweat. The two major names missing from the franchise’s offseason activities has been Sweat and quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Pro Bowler was in trade rumors, while the 10-year Pro was holding out for a new deal. Monday was a stellar first step back for Arizona as each player is in house, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Sweat’s return gives a massive release to a lackluster pass rush that would be flatlining with his inclusion.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) and safety Budda Baker (3) and linebacker Zaven Collins (25) celebrate a sack of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sweat has return to Cardinals:
Reports of Sweat’s frustration filled headlines following the end of a 3-14 campaign in 2025. No shocker that the worst year in franchise history would frustrate any player. However, his very close relationship with head coach Jonathan Gannon was another factor that led to the rumors of him being traded. The two were in Philadelphia together, and Gannon’s involvement was a major part of why Sweat signed with Arizona. Gannon’s firing likely hurt the pass rusher the wrong way, leading to some discomfort.
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
For now, those opinions remain unknown and unimportant as Sweat makes his return. The Cardinals had a bottom five pass rush, with only 30 sacks last season. Sweat had 12 sacks for the unit, illustrating how lost the defense would be without his inclusion. Arizona is hoping the young players on the defensive line step up to relieve some of the pressure on Sweat’s shoulders, but that is wishful thinking.
The franchise made a big commitment signing Sweat to a four-year,$76.4 contract. Right now, he is living up to his end of the deal, but it is time for the franchise to do their part by rebuilding a viable pass rush surround Sweat.
Jacoby Brissett makes his return to Cardinals mandatory minicamp
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
