The NFL offseason has moved beyond free agency and the NFL Draft. Teams have now shifted their focus to OTAs, with mandatory minicamps right around the corner. That doesn’t mean major roster moves are finished, though. In fact, more could be on the way.
The critical June 1 date is approaching, which means teams will soon gain additional financial flexibility to move large contracts. According to reports, the Arizona Cardinals have already started fielding calls for one of their highest-paid players. EDGE rusher Josh Sweat has reportedly emerged as a potential trade candidate.
Advertisement
MORE: Kansas City Chiefs may have already determined future of Rashee Rice
With Sweat’s former defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, no longer serving as the Cardinals’ head coach, speculation has grown about a possible move. There should be strong league-wide interest in his services, as teams are always searching for additional pass-rushing help. Here are three teams that should pursue a trade for Sweat.
The Baltimore Ravens could face financial challenges in making this trade happen. There’s also the lingering disappointment surrounding the Maxx Crosby deal that never materialized. Even so, Sweat would be a significant addition to Baltimore’s defense.
Advertisement
The team already added Trey Hendrickson after backing out of the Crosby pursuit earlier this offseason. Pairing Sweat with Hendrickson would give Baltimore one of the league’s most dangerous EDGE duos.
MORE: Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs turns himself in to police custody
Would adding Sweat push the Ravens back into serious Super Bowl contention?
The Dallas Cowboys have quietly continued retooling their defense. One season after trading away Micah Parsons, Dallas could be positioned to make another aggressive move.
The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary this offseason following last year’s additions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. Adding Sweat would further strengthen the defensive front, while also giving him the opportunity to face his former team twice each season.
Advertisement
MORE: Chargers, Derwin James sign historic contract extension
Could the Cowboys bring Sweat back to the NFC East?
The Carolina Panthers surprised much of the NFL with their postseason run last year. The Panthers nearly upset the Los Angeles Rams again in the Wild Card round, but their lack of a consistent pass rush proved costly.
Sweat would provide a major boost opposite free-agent addition Jaelan Phillips. Not only would that create a formidable pass-rushing tandem, but it would also allow the Panthers to continue developing Nic Scourton without forcing him into an overwhelming role too early.
Advertisement
If Carolina lands Sweat, the Panthers could suddenly boast one of the NFL’s deepest EDGE rotations.
Could the Panthers make another major defensive move in pursuit of a second straight NFC South title?
