GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals will have to make a decision on whether to deal Josh Sweat as the NFL trade deadline approaches, with the Dallas Cowboys emerging as a potential landing spot.
Oct 11, 2026; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cardinals are currently 2-4 and, despite a more positive result Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, remain outside the NFC playoff picture. While there’s no indication of a set trade yet for Sweat, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports that the Cowboys are more than interested.
Dallas isn’t much better than Arizona right now, sporting the same 2-4 record, but they have a reason to pursue Sweat. Adding him could help the Cowboys generate more pressure off the edge and strengthen its defense as they look to make a push in the division.
According to Fowler, one executive said, “Sweat to Dallas makes a lot of sense.”
“As one team exec pointed out to me Tuesday, Josh Sweat to Dallas makes a lot of sense.
He fits Dallas’ profile, and the Cowboys need edge-rush help.”
@JFowlerESPN on the Cardinals top pass rusher potentially heading to Big D. https://t.co/IbQ8YLGKgy
— PHNX Cardinals (@PHNX_Cardinals) October 21, 2026
With Dallas showing interest, that leaves the Cardinals with one question: Is Sweat more valuable to the current roster, or could his value be turned into draft capital?
Sweat’s sack total, quarterback pressures and overall impact against opposing offenses would help determine his market value. Arizona also has to consider his contract and whether a potential return justifies losing an established veteran defender. Through six games this season, Josh Sweat has recorded 14 total tackles, including nine solo tackles, five assisted tackles and two sacks.
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) reacts with defensive lineman L.J. Collier (91) and linebacker Jack Gibbens (50) after a sack in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
If the Cardinals’ chances of contending continue to trend downward, the organization could explore whether another team is willing to offer enough in return. Acquiring draft picks could give Arizona more flexibility to address multiple positions and retool for the future.
Dallas isn’t the only team connected to Sweat, as the Green Bay Packers are also in the mix for the defensive end. However, Fowler reports that Green Bay will eventually have Micah Parsons back, which could affect the team’s urgency to acquire Sweat.
Oct 18, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops to the ground on pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
With multiple teams potentially interested, Arizona has some leverage. Ultimately, the Cardinals must decide whether keeping one of their established pass rushers is more valuable than turning his production into assets that could help shape the team’s future.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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