The Green Bay Packers have emerged as one of the most logical and aggressive suitors for Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat, and a trade for the veteran pass rusher could significantly bolster Green Bay’s defensive front.
According to reports, Sweat has expressed a desire to be traded following the departure of former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report included the Packers among the top teams that should pursue the productive edge defender, and for good reason.
The Gannon Connection
The relationship between Sweat and Jonathan Gannon runs deep. Gannon was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles when Sweat was there, and when Gannon took the head coaching job in Arizona, Sweat was one of the first players he targeted. That history gives the Packers a clear inside edge in any trade discussions.
Now serving as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, Gannon provides Sweat with familiar schemes and trust that few other teams can match. With Gannon no longer in Arizona, Sweat’s desire to reunite with his former coach makes perfect sense. This personal and professional connection could make the Packers the frontrunner, as Sweat is reportedly motivated to continue playing in a defense designed by a coordinator who knows how to maximize his skill set.
Filling the Void Left by Rashan Gary
The Packers have a clear need at the edge position after moving on from longtime starter Rashan Gary this offseason. While the team still has young talent on the roster, the current group faces uncertainty.
Micah Parsons, a key piece of the defensive line, suffered a torn ACL late in the 2025 season. His availability for Week 1 remains in doubt, and the Packers are expected to take a cautious approach with his recovery to protect his long-term value.
Meanwhile, Lukas Van Ness—a former first-round pick—has yet to consistently live up to his draft billing. He has performed best in a rotational role, often sliding inside, but needs a strong make-or-break season to secure his future in Green Bay.
Enter Josh Sweat. A proven pass rusher who recorded a career-high 12 sacks last season and 20 sacks over the past two years, Sweat would immediately step in as a starter alongside Van Ness while Parsons recovers. Once healthy, Parsons could return to form, allowing Van Ness to shift back into a valuable third-edge role in a rotation that keeps all three players fresh and effective.
Production Meets Opportunity
At 29 years old, Sweat carries a $23 million cap hit for the upcoming season as part of his $76 million contract. While his age and contract may deter some teams, his recent production tells a different story. Sweat has proven to be a disruptive force when placed in the right system — particularly under Gannon.
Other potential suitors may be hesitant due to the contract, Sweat’s age, and his track record of thriving specifically in Gannon-coordinated defenses. This hesitation creates a potential bargain for the Packers, who can leverage their existing relationship to acquire a high-upside player without likely having to overpay in draft capital or assets.
NFC North Implications
Adding a player of Sweat’s caliber would represent a major win for Green Bay. A motivated, productive edge rusher with 12 sacks on his resume would instantly upgrade the pass rush and create more opportunities for the rest of the defense to make plays.
The move would not only help replace Rashan Gary’s production but also send a clear message across the NFC North: the Packers are serious about contending in 2026.
If the deal materializes, Josh Sweat could quickly become one of the most impactful acquisitions of the offseason for Green Bay — a “Gannon favorite” returning to form in a familiar system, ready to terrorize opposing quarterbacks once again.
