The Dallas Cowboys have made it abundantly clear this offseason that fixing their defense is priority number one. After a disastrous 2025 season in which the unit surrendered a league-worst 511 points, new defensive coordinator Christian Parker has orchestrated a significant overhaul, bringing in roughly six projected new starters through the draft, free agency, and trades.
Yet even with those additions, one glaring deficiency remained: a proven, high-volume pass rusher capable of consistently collapsing pockets and generating sacks. While Rashan Gary has shown flashes, the Cowboys currently lack any edge defender with a career season of double-digit sacks on the roster. That vacancy may have just been filled in dramatic fashion.
According to multiple reports, the Arizona Cardinals are actively taking trade calls on Pro Bowl defensive end Josh Sweat. For the Cowboys, this development represents a golden opportunity to acquire a player who has been a thorn in their side for years — and who could instantly transform their defensive identity.
A Familiar Nightmare Comes Home
Sweat, who signed a four-year, $75 million contract with Arizona prior to last season, delivered a career year in 2025, posting 12.0 sacks and four forced fumbles. The 29-year-old edge rusher also played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, recording 2.5 sacks in Super Bowl 59. Though his snap count dropped to 540 as he transitioned into more of a situational specialist, his production remained elite.
Dallas fans and observers know Sweat all too well from his seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. He has tallied 6.0 sacks against the Cowboys — the second-most against any single opponent in his career — along with a league-leading 34 tackles against them. His most memorable moment came on Christmas Eve 2022, when he intercepted Dak Prescott and returned it for a touchdown.
Bringing Sweat to The Star would represent poetic justice for a franchise long tormented by his presence on the opposite sideline.
A Perfect Fit in Parker’s Scheme
Cowboys insiders have been quick to express enthusiasm about the possibility.
Jordan Schultz first broke the news, noting that the Cardinals had received trade interest in Sweat following their decision to move on from head coach Jonathan Gannon, with whom Sweat shared a strong relationship.
Mauricio Rodriguez of Cowboys A-to-Z captured the sentiment of many when he wrote: “I would feel significantly better about the Cowboys defense if they pulled the trigger.”
Landon Holifield of “The Lando Show” and Zach Wolchuk of 105.3 The Fan echoed that excitement, with Wolchuk stating he would “LOVE the Cowboys being in on this.”
Under Christian Parker, Dallas is building a coordinated, team-oriented pass rush rather than relying on a single superstar. However, adding a veteran like Sweat — a player with a demonstrated history of winning individual matchups and affecting games in critical moments — would provide the perfect complement to that scheme. His ability to set the edge, force fumbles, and pressure quarterbacks would elevate the entire defensive front.
What It Would Cost
The exact asking price from Arizona remains unclear. The Cowboys enter negotiations without a massive surplus of draft capital, holding 2027 first-, second-, and third-round picks but missing fourth- and fifth-round selections. They do possess two sixth-round picks that could potentially be part of a package.
Given Sweat’s contract and recent production, any deal would likely require a combination of mid-round picks and possibly a veteran player. For a Cowboys team determined to contend in a loaded NFC, the investment would be well worth it if it means adding a legitimate sack specialist.
Turning the NFC East Upside Down
Acquiring Josh Sweat wouldn’t just strengthen the Cowboys’ defense — it would send ripples throughout the entire NFC East. A unit that already features improved depth and scheme cohesion would suddenly possess a true game-wrecker on the edge, forcing opposing offenses to account for him on every snap.
For a fanbase still haunted by last season’s defensive collapse, this move would signal that the front office is committed to meaningful change rather than incremental improvement.
As training camp approaches, all eyes in Texas will be watching to see if the Cowboys can finalize a deal that brings one of their former tormentors into the fold. If they succeed, the 2026 season could look dramatically different — and far more promising — on that side of the ball.
