The Dallas Cowboys need a pass-rush upgrade, but they should not confuse urgency with permission to overpay. Arizona Cardinals edge defender Josh Sweat offers an appealing middle ground: an established sack producer with contractual control beyond this season.
There is one important complication: trade speculation does not guarantee availability. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort previously dismissed the idea of moving Sweat, while the defender recently disputed reporting that he wanted a new contract. Dallas must negotiate around Arizona’s actual position, not assume every rumor represents an invitation.
The ideal proposal is a 2028 third-round pick, with Arizona sending Sweat and a 2028 fifth-rounder to Dallas.
What would the Cowboys need to give up for Josh Sweat?
Here is the proposed deal:
Cowboys receive:
- EDGE Josh Sweat
- 2028 fifth-round pick
Cardinals receive:
- 2028 third-round pick
The pick swap gives Arizona a meaningful move up the draft board while preventing Dallas from surrendering a third-rounder outright. Reporting has identified the Cowboys’ 2028 third-round selection as available capital and suggested a package involving a third-rounder might require a pick coming back.
Sweat signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract in 2025, keeping him under contract through 2028. Unlike a deadline rental, he could address Dallas’ pass-rush needs beyond November and December.
That control has value, but it also requires careful financial planning. His 2027 and 2028 compensation is not guaranteed, giving an acquiring team flexibility while leaving potential contract discussions unresolved. Dallas should review the remaining obligations before committing, rather than assuming the deal automatically settles his future.
Why do the Cowboys need Josh Sweat?
Dallas has struggled to generate the pressure necessary to support its defense. Through five weeks, the Cowboys recorded five sacks and 36 pressures, ranking near the bottom of the league in both categories.
Sweat would bring a stronger production history than those numbers suggest Dallas currently possesses. He recorded a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with Arizona, demonstrating that his effectiveness was not limited to his previous role in Philadelphia.
His 2026 start requires caution, however. Through five games, Sweat had one sack, 10 tackles and two tackles for loss. The Cowboys would be acquiring a player with rebound potential, not someone currently dominating every Sunday.
That distinction should shape the price. His previous production supports making a serious offer; his current output argues against surrendering a premium selection without compensation returning.
Article Continues BelowThe appeal is a multiyear solution. Dallas could strengthen its edge rotation now while retaining an experienced contributor for future seasons.
Sweat would not repair every coverage breakdown or tackling mistake. He would address one identifiable weakness without requiring the Cowboys to rebuild the entire defensive front.
Why would the Cardinals consider this offer?
Arizona has reasons to listen, even after beating the Rams to improve to 2-4. The Cardinals have already traded Marvin Harrison Jr. to Houston, and league executives reportedly view Dallas as well positioned to pursue Sweat.
Moving from the fifth round into the third would provide useful draft flexibility without pretending Sweat should be given away.
Still, Arizona holds leverage. Sweat is not approaching immediate free agency, and the Cardinals can retain him rather than accept an unsatisfactory return.
That makes this proposal a sensible framework, not a guaranteed agreement. Dallas should make the call, offer meaningful compensation and resist turning a practical upgrade into a desperate purchase.