The Dallas Cowboys are coming off one of the worst defenses -- possibly the worst in franchise history. Nothing short of a great offseason and draft was urgently needed to revamp their defense, but there's a veteran name heating up around the NFL, and the Cowboys should take notice.
Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat is one of the names floating around the NFL trade market. It makes all the sense in the world considering Sweat won a Super Bowl under Christian Parker in the 2024 season. Cowboys fans won't like being reminded of that, but Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report listed America's Team as one of seven teams that should trade for Sweat if the Cards make him available.
"While Gary, Houston, and the rookies may make for a functional edge rotation, the Cowboys shouldn't leave anything to chance. With an offense that ranked second overall in 2025, they're poised to make a run now, but their opportunities could be dwindling."
Bleacher Report says the Cowboys should trade for Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat
Knox adds that the most productive pass rusher coming back to don the blue and white is James Houston, who logged 5.5 sacks a season ago. Houston was the dark horse that no one expected, but adding Sweat would be a game-changer for the Cowboys if he became available.
"Dak Prescott will turn 33 in July, and last year's breakout star, receiver George Pickens, is set to play on the franchise tag. If Sweat becomes available, adding him would help Dallas get the most out of its 2026 campaign."
The Cowboys' front seven is no doubt improved, but fans still have questions about how some guys like Donovan Ezeiruaku, Rashan Gary and Marist Liufau will fit into Parker's defense.
In Sweat's lone season under Parker, Sweat had 51 combined tackles, 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. He's also a Pro Bowler from 2021. It was a while ago, but he's still a phenomenal player. In 2025, with Arizona, Sweat had a career year in sacks, with 12. His lone season was with former head coach Jonathan Gannon, and Sweat is reportedly unhappy with Arizona for firing him.
There would be salary cap implications for the Cardinals if they move Sweat. Spotrac says a pre-June 1 trade results in $22M+ dead cap, while a post-June 1 trade results in $15.28M dead cap, with $10.8M in cap savings.
Sweat is the perfect home run piece to make some noise for the Cowboys' offseason, and according to Bleacher Report, there's at least a chance for Jerry Jones and Co. to be in the running if Arizona makes Sweat available for a trade.
Parker definitely has some weapons to work with, but his former player, Sweat, may be exactly what he needs.
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