BREAKING NEWS: Pass Rusher Josh Sweat Signs with the Arizona Cardinals

In a major move that has sent ripples across the NFL landscape, the Arizona Cardinals have secured one of the league’s most dynamic pass rushers, Josh Sweat, on a multi-year deal. The acquisition is a part of the Cardinals’ ongoing effort to build a more formidable defense and improve their chances in the NFC West. As the 2025 NFL season draws closer, this signing could have a substantial impact not only on the Cardinals but on the rest of the NFC as well. This article will delve deep into Sweat’s career, what he brings to the Cardinals, and what this signing means for the team and the broader NFL.

Josh Sweat: A Look Back at His Career

Josh Sweat’s rise to prominence in the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and raw athleticism. Born on March 29, 1997, in Chesapeake, Virginia, Sweat attended Oscar F. Smith High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best defensive players in the state. He became a standout defensive end and was ranked among the top recruits in the nation by the time he graduated. Sweat’s athleticism, speed, and ability to change direction quickly were evident even in high school, and they would only develop further as he progressed through his career.

Following his high school success, Sweat went on to play college football at Florida State University, where he showcased his skills at the highest level of collegiate football. Playing for the Seminoles, Sweat became known for his explosive burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to disrupt the quarterback in the pocket. Despite suffering a major knee injury early in his college career, Sweat’s ability to recover and continue improving made him an attractive prospect for NFL scouts.

By the time Sweat declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, he was widely regarded as one of the top defensive end prospects. While he didn’t go in the first round, he was selected in the fourth round by the Philadelphia Eagles, who had been impressed by his potential. The Eagles’ decision to draft Sweat was a key moment in his career, and over the next several seasons, he would prove them right.

Breakout Years with the Eagles

Sweat’s impact in the NFL was felt immediately upon his arrival in Philadelphia. Though he didn’t start as a rookie, he quickly found a role in the Eagles’ defensive line rotation. By his second season, Sweat began to develop into a key contributor for the team, making plays in critical moments and showing his ability to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks. His raw speed and power made him a nightmare for tackles to block, and his ability to get off blocks and pursue the quarterback became a hallmark of his game.

In 2020, Sweat had his breakout season. With the Eagles dealing with injuries and other challenges, Sweat took on a more prominent role and finished the season with 6.5 sacks, marking a career-high. His presence on the edge was critical for Philadelphia, and he quickly became one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers. Sweat continued to improve year after year, with his technique and his awareness on the field sharpening.

As Sweat entered the 2024 season, he was regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the NFL. He had consistently been a double-digit sack threat and had established himself as a versatile defender who could play in various schemes and positions along the defensive line. His impressive resume made him one of the most coveted free agents during the offseason, and as soon as he hit the open market, numerous teams began courting him.

A Perfect Fit for the Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals’ signing of Josh Sweat is part of a broader effort to improve their defensive line, which has been an area of concern for the team in recent seasons. The Cardinals have long struggled to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback, and adding a proven pass rusher like Sweat could go a long way toward fixing that issue.

Arizona’s defense has made significant strides in recent years, but they still lacked that top-tier pass rusher capable of changing the game. While they have other strong players on the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Zaven Collins and safety Budda Baker, they have been missing a consistent edge rusher who can disrupt offenses and take pressure off their secondary. Sweat’s ability to rush the passer with speed and power should fill that void and give Arizona a much-needed boost.

The Impact on Arizona’s Defense

Sweat’s arrival in Arizona will likely have a domino effect on the team’s defensive structure. First and foremost, the addition of Sweat should help the Cardinals generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Arizona’s defense has often struggled to sack the quarterback and disrupt the opposing team’s rhythm. Sweat’s ability to quickly collapse the pocket will allow defensive coordinator Nick Rallis to be more aggressive with his defensive game plans.

Additionally, Sweat’s presence on the edge could open up opportunities for other players to succeed. With Sweat drawing attention from offensive linemen, other pass rushers, such as linebacker Isaiah Simmons or defensive tackle J.J. Watt (should he return for another season), could benefit from one-on-one matchups and increased chances to make plays. Sweat’s ability to draw double teams will also create more favorable situations for Arizona’s defensive front, allowing them to rotate players and keep fresh legs on the field.

Furthermore, Sweat’s versatility should give the Cardinals more flexibility in terms of defensive schemes. He can rush from a traditional defensive end position, or he can slide inside on passing downs to create mismatches against guards and centers. This flexibility makes him a perfect fit for Arizona’s evolving defense, which will likely rely more on a mix of traditional and exotic pass-rushing schemes.

The Cardinals’ Rebuild and Long-Term Vision

The decision to sign Josh Sweat also speaks to the Cardinals’ long-term vision for the franchise. General manager Monti Ossenfort has made it clear that the team is committed to rebuilding and creating a sustainable, competitive squad. The signing of Sweat, combined with other moves in the offseason, is indicative of a strategy that focuses on bolstering both the offense and defense. Arizona is clearly trying to build a team that can contend in the tough NFC West, and with Sweat in the fold, they now have one of the most talented edge rushers in the league to help them achieve that goal.

It’s also worth noting that Sweat’s age (currently 28 years old) makes him an ideal player for a team in transition. He’s entering the prime of his career, and his production should continue to rise as he becomes a central piece of the Cardinals’ defense. The long-term contract that Sweat signed ensures that Arizona has a player who can be a foundational element of their defensive line for years to come.

What Does This Mean for the NFC West?

The NFC West is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and Sweat’s addition to the Cardinals’ defense is bound to shake things up. The division already boasts formidable pass rushers, such as Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers and Jalen Carter of the Los Angeles Rams. The addition of Sweat gives the Cardinals a weapon on defense that will allow them to compete more effectively against their division rivals.

For the 49ers, Rams, and Seattle Seahawks, the presence of Josh Sweat means that they will have to account for a fresh threat off the edge. The Cardinals’ defense, which has been somewhat overlooked in recent years, could now become a formidable unit that gives opposing quarterbacks nightmares. The NFC West is a quarterback-heavy division, and defenses that can get after the quarterback are crucial to success. Sweat, with his ability to consistently pressure the passer, is a significant asset in this context.

A High-Reward Signing

The signing of Josh Sweat is a high-reward move for the Arizona Cardinals, but it also comes with risks. While Sweat has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, there are still concerns about his consistency and injury history. Given that the Cardinals have committed significant financial resources to Sweat, it’s crucial that he remains healthy and performs at a high level throughout the duration of the contract.

That being said, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. If Sweat can maintain his level of play and stay healthy, he could become one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and provide the Cardinals with a game-changing defender who can turn the tide in close games. In a division as competitive as the NFC West, having a dominant pass rusher is often the difference between making the playoffs or falling short.

The signing of Josh Sweat by the Arizona Cardinals represents a significant step forward for the team as they look to build a defense capable of competing at the highest level in the NFL. Sweat’s ability to pressure the quarterback, combined with his versatility and youth, makes him an ideal fit for Arizona’s long-term vision. As the Cardinals continue their rebuild, Sweat’s presence will undoubtedly be a key factor in their efforts to become a true contender in the NFC West.

For Sweat, this is an opportunity to continue his rise as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers and to contribute to a team that has the potential to make significant strides in the coming years. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Josh Sweat and the Arizona Cardinals to see how this new chapter unfolds.