Confessions of a Polluted Mindset - No Sweat, No Rush?
The Weekly Packers Brain Drain from Jersey Al.
By JerseyAl
It's Josh Sweat week here in the Packers' Universe. Supposedly, he wants out of Arizona (can you blame him) and would love to be in on the Packers' 2026 season. Several reporters have claimed the Packers and Cardinals are discussing trade parameters for a deal, only to be quashed by Matthew Schneidman, who says he was told Gutey has not discussed a Sweat trade with the Cardinals. As an aside, he also pooh-poohed the Micah Parsons to Green Bay talk before it actually happened. In any case, we don't know what or who to believe in this matter, but that shouldn't stop us from talking about it, right?
I'll start off by saying that I am not overly worried about the Packers pass rush for 2026, even before Parsons returns. So I'm not in the "they HAVE to trade for Sweat" camp. I believe the Packers have enough chess pieces to manipulate, if Gannon does it right, to generate a top 15 pass rush without Parsons and a top 5-10 rush when he returns. But like Brian Gutekunst, I believe in turning over every rock and being in on every trade conversation. So I decided to dig a bit deeper on the possible circumstances of this specific player and trade. Some things I found truly surprised me.
Pros
~ Sweat has been in the league for 8 years, but will not turn 30 years old until next March.
~ He became a full-time starter in 2021, his fourth season with the Eagles, and first of two under Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
~ He has started 86 out of 91 games since that 2021 season.
~ His three career best seasons all came under Jonathan Gannon (Eagles 2021-22, Cardinals 2025).
~ Sweat had the highest sack total of his career last season (12).
~ He averaged 32 snaps per game in 2025, compared with 38 for Rashan Gary.
~ Sweat is entering the second year of a 4-year, $76.4 million deal signed in 2025. The Cardinals paid Sweat a $7.22 million option bonus
in March, so if the Packers were to trade for him, he would only count $10.88 million on their cap for the 2026 season.
~ The final two years of his contract (2027 and 2028) carry no guaranteed money.
~ An NFL executive told Bill Huber he thinks Sweat could be had for a fifth round pick.
Cons
~ His snaps were managed last season due to some knee wear and tear.
~ He would take snaps away from Barryn Sorrell, who the Packers are keen on developing and potentially rookie draft pick Dani-Dennis-Dutton
~ The 10.88 million 2026 cap space used could be useful for extending players like Watson, Kraft and Wyatt.
Are there any cons I missed?
While Sweat's knee needs "management," he wouldn't be expected to be a full-time starter with Lukas Van Ness and Barryn Sorrell deserving of snaps, and quality backup pass rushers like Brenton Cox Jr. and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton. The two seasons before last, Sweat averaged more snaps per game than Rashan Gary and his average snaps per game last year was adversely affected by a significant reduction in the last three games of the Cardinals' 3-14 season, when there was little reason to force him to play more.
The Packers can reasonably expect to have a total of five draft picks in 2027 over rounds four and five. Even giving up a fourth round pick, if that's what it would take, would not hurt too much.
The contract particulars I highlighted above make this move quite palatable from a financial standpoint, with the ability to get out of the contract in 2027 without too much pain if they so desire. This move would fall into the same type of 2026 "bring in a short-term veteran to replace a departing player" move that Gutey has executed this year (Zaire Franklin, Javon Hargrave, Tyrod Taylor).
As I said at the beginning of this article, I wasn't overly concerned about the Packers' pass rush. So when I sat down to write this article, I wasn't planning to present a case for the Packers trading for Josh Sweat, but after doing the research and weighing the pros and cons, that's kind of what I'm doing. It just makes so much sense, if as they claim, the Packers are "all-in" for 2026 (their version of all-in, not the Rams'!). Make the call, Gutey!
Go Pack Go!
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__________________________
"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of various hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He's a lifetime Packers fan living in the land of the Giants (and Jets). Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
__________________________
Comments (70)
Dragon5
June 03, 2026 at 05:51 am
"are there any cons I missed?"
Sweat, like Gute, Banks, Nixon, and St Juste, will be in their enemy year next year.
1 yr rental
TKWorldWide
June 03, 2026 at 06:58 am
Whereas others seem to permanently be in an enemy year.
stockholder
June 03, 2026 at 06:08 am
Gute had a chance to draft Sweat years ago.
If he didn't like him then.
Why would he like him now?
Con #2
Does squeezing more out of him.
Really-Make good business sense?
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 08:36 am
12 sacks last year is a good starting point. Another is that he ie available for what Enagbare got as a free agent, Sweat is a "little" better than Enagbare.. A 3rd reason is he has stated Packers are his #1 choice. That gives us a huge advantage.
stockholder
June 03, 2026 at 09:55 am
Career Highs?
That is still less than 1 a game and 1 pressure a game.
The 4 fumbles do stand out.
He let Enagbare go because of money.
I look at the possibility of a Tom, with a 4th..
JerseyAl
June 03, 2026 at 12:11 pm
So because Gute didn't draft someone it means he didn't like him? Really? By that logic there were another 250 or so players he didn't like because he didn't draft them. He's been far from perfect, but the ridiculous lengths you will go to criticize Gutekunst in almost every comment you leave is truly remarkable. I mean, come on...
TKWorldWide
June 03, 2026 at 04:57 pm
Whoooo!
It’s getting HOT in here!
😂😂🏈
greengold
June 03, 2026 at 07:05 pm
Al, bravo.
stockholder
June 03, 2026 at 08:03 pm
I'm only re-wiring some brains here.
I do live in fear that Gute will sabotage the
team, with too many wrong moves.
And the "Pack won't be back."
TKWorldWide
June 04, 2026 at 09:27 am
You live in Perpetual Second Guess Land. Not a pleasant place to live.
I tend to ignore fans who are 100% negative OR 100% positive.
I like to live in the middle, where the discussions take place.
packer132
June 05, 2026 at 04:52 pm
Al; You got that right. Gute is listed among the top GM's every year though SH will find a way to criticize who he drafts or brings in or even cuts. I gloss over his every thought but really like your insight to the Packers. thanks
stockholder
June 05, 2026 at 05:08 pm
Ok - You want me to say Gute is right.
Yes- He was right on Watson.
More mistakes are made at Wr
than any other position.
Signing him to his recent extension.
Was not only a win for the packers.
But a positive for him.
packer132
June 06, 2026 at 08:12 am
SH: I agree with you and I hope Watson has a great season as well as the team.
Cheezehead72
June 03, 2026 at 06:31 am
I will agree a fifth round pick and his salary makes it an intriguing option but I go back to do we really want to carry a parttime player on the 46 game day roster when we have young guys that can play full time. The only way these young guys will get better is to play them.
You only go all in if you have a team that is ready to go to the Super Bowl. Even with Sweat there is little chance we will beat the Rams in regular season or the Seahawks or the top two teams in the NFC East in the playoffs. Right now I have the Buccaneers and Cowboys games as losses.
Keep the pick or picks and build a team for the future.
Now being as the Packers play the Cardinals the last game of the preseason and they have joint practices I see Gute doing a trade and giving up too much for him.
GregC
June 03, 2026 at 06:50 am
The Packers are as ready for a Super Bowl run as they are going to get with the current group of players. They were in the mix last year before three of their five best players got hurt. If I thought they were not good enough to beat the Buccaneers and Cowboys, I would give up on this season just as you have, but I think they are better than that.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 10:20 am
Despite their extensions, it will be interesting to see if Gute and/or LaFleur are around in 2028 unless we’ve at least got a to a championship game and gone down fighting at worst. A bad enough showing this year could even accelerate that. One has to wonder if that gives a little more push, assuming they have not completely swallowed the Kool-aid.
stockholder
June 03, 2026 at 06:54 am
~ The 10.88 million 2026 cap space used could be useful for extending players like Watson, Kraft and Wyatt.
And it gives the appearance Van Ess is a bust.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 09:52 am
Judging by what he has accomplished in 3 years. I would say most people would say he is an 80% bust right now. I would hope that saving face is any reason GB would hold on to LVN and give him the 5th year bonus.
dobber
June 03, 2026 at 07:58 am
Look at the Rams: their pass rush was very good in 2025. They decided to make it elite.
The top teams find ways to stockpile talent.
Sweat is a proven player at a marquee position, and with Parsons on the shelf for a couple games, I would understand why the Packers would take a shot. Part-time player? The Packers rotate their DL and DE pretty liberally. An OLB/DE who plays half the defensive snaps isn't an issue. I also don't care about the "blocking player development" thing. This is win now time...not wait and see time. The best players will play.
Do I want the Packers no make this deal? Not particularly, but I'm not wholly against it. I think they would bring him in and flip him after the season, which doesn't bother me. But I can see why they might bring him in.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 10:04 am
"I also don't care about the "blocking player development" thing. This is win now time...not wait and see time. The best players will play."
You just can't say that any better Dobber. We didn't make the trade for Parsons if we weren't taking that mindset. If he was 100% healthy and ready to start the 2026 season, we would be having very few of these type of conversations, because any even average NFL Edge rusher is going to benefit from Parsons being on the field with him. I am not so sure after 3 years of below average play that LVN could see double digit sacks in 2026, but I do think DDS, Cox, and Sorrel all have the potential to do that.
" I think they would bring him in and flip him after the season, which doesn't bother me."
That's the part almost no one is talking about. GB could flip Sweat next year and get everything and more back for him. He has no guaranteed $$ for 2027 &2028.
The Rams, Eagles, and Seahawks would make this deal. Tampa Bay and the Cowboys have already made offers, but Sweat has said GB is where he wants to be. Do we want him to go to the Bears, they need a pass rusher too, and have recently brought in Epenesa.
Offer a 4th for Sweat & Benson, kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
cheezyone
June 03, 2026 at 03:15 pm
I like your thinking, Golf. I would like to see Benson also.
Starrbrite
June 04, 2026 at 09:25 am
Right on Dobby—couldn’t have said it better.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 08:39 am
"I will agree a fifth round pick and his salary makes it an intriguing option but I go back to do we really want to carry a parttime player on the 46 game day roster when we have young guys that can play full time. The only way these young guys will get better is to play them."
The flip side of that CH is none of our young guys have done squat in the NFL yet. Sweat would give immediate production, he is a proven starting NFL star. Add in no Parsons for at least 4 games. I would just as soon start 4-0 as 2-2.
GregC
June 03, 2026 at 06:39 am
I don't understand why a pass rusher who has been good for several years and is coming off a 12 sack season, and is only 29 years old, could possibly be had for a 5th round pick. Is he a liability against the run? Anyway, I'm pretty much in the same camp as Al on this one. I think our guys can hold up fine even before Parsons returns, but Sweat looks to be worth the price, even if it's a 4th round pick.
BuckyBadger
June 03, 2026 at 06:51 am
Age 29 in the NFL isn't something we can say "only" in front of. That is usually about the time players leave their prime. Only the special ones after that continue to hold up. Not sure Sweat is that.
GregC
June 03, 2026 at 07:01 am
So maybe the knee issue that is mentioned here is enough to make age 29 a concern.
dobber
June 03, 2026 at 08:00 am
The term "veteran rest" has become a bigger and bigger thing in recent years.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 08:48 am
Sweat has demanded a trade Greg. And the big kicker here is he has 2 teams he says he will play for and GB is his #1 team. I think the Cowboys are the other but the Cards have turned down an offer. If we really want Sweat, and I think we need an actual NFL pass rush producer, then we are in an enviable position. If he can be had for a 5th round pick, great.
I would offer a 4th for Sweat and Trey Benson-RB, kill 2 birds with one stone.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 10:32 am
Greg, your comment that he’s been “good for years” interested me. How good has he been really? He’s had 2 seasons with over 10 sacks in his career. In his last 5 years he’s averaged 9 sacks a season with a low of 6.5 and a high of 12.
Given that we have Parsons, it strikes me that what we need (health aside) is a player who we are confident can get us 8 sacks or so as the other starter. Sweat is about as close to that as one can get. However, if that’s the case, LVN or Sorrell have no place/won’t get used heavily enough if Sweat is to be allowed enough opportunities to make good. If we are going to do this, it’s for LVN, not in addition to.
GregC
June 03, 2026 at 11:35 am
Averaging 9 sacks per season for five years fits my definition of "good for years," at least as a pass rusher, plus he had 2.5 sacks in the Eagles' Super Bowl win.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 05:17 pm
I agree, once I’d dug around a bit I realized that he has actually been more consistent than I had thought.
Hence I concluded above that “what we need (health aside) is a player who we are confident can get us 8 sacks or so as the other starter. Sweat is about as close to that as one can get.”
Obviously I didn’t express myself particularly adroitly, since Al had the same reaction.
JerseyAl
June 03, 2026 at 12:16 pm
" In his last 5 years he’s averaged 9 sacks a season with a low of 6.5 and a high of 12."
You wouldn't take 9 sacks? Rashan Gary averaged 7.9 over his last five years and he was a 12th overall pick.
Bitternotsour
June 03, 2026 at 01:40 pm
guarantee me those 9 sacks, well sure. But a 29 yo whose snaps have to be managed because of his creaky knees and whose inclusion takes snaps from younger, cheaper and promising players, it's far less clear...
Savage57
June 03, 2026 at 06:45 am
Pass rusher is important. But as things stand today the Packers have invested 4 first round picks at the position, so that'll have to do.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 08:52 am
So your theory is that there is a limit of draft capitol we can spend on the 2nd most important position on the team? That seems flawed, especially since Gary is gone and Van Ness has been a D- bust up to this point. I guess the Rams don't subscribe to your theory either, they like GB, want to win a Super Bowl now.
Savage57
June 03, 2026 at 10:02 am
It's not a theory, it's a pragmatic reality. Between Van Ness, the two #1's for Parsons and Gary, a former #1, as the boot in the deal, that's four first rounders invested in one position group.
Building a team like that isn't a recipe for a balanced roster, or success.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 10:19 am
So then if 1 of the #1s is a bust, and the other is gone, GB shouldn't take that as a sign they need to add someone who can play at a high level? Not being aggressive after losing 2 of the teams Top 3 pass rushers and having 1 of the first round picks you mention being a below average player is much worse recipe for success.
If Parsons had not torn up his knee and then misses at least 4 games because of it. GB could have tried seeing what they have in the young guys the first 4 games. Parsons will make the whole defense better when he is healthy. But he did get hurt and he will miss at least 4 games. And that means we only have 1 former 1st rounder who plays like a 6th rounder. And the other guys a 4th round picks, 5th round picks, and UDFAs.
That's too big of a big gamble to take, lets not flush the season down the toilet over spending $5-10 million on a proven pass rusher that will keep the team afloat in the first 1/2 of the season.
Savage57
June 03, 2026 at 11:19 am
Sweat is Rashan Gary, who they just traded away for some cap space and a fourth.
Use that cap space elsewhere and trust your bench.
JerseyAl
June 03, 2026 at 12:17 pm
No, Sweat is better than Gary, who the Packers used the 12th overall pick on.
Savage57
June 04, 2026 at 06:12 am
I took a look at their respective production and it was similar enough to make the association meaningful.
I remain firmly in the no column on this one.
stockholder
June 04, 2026 at 06:20 am
TT tried with peppers.
He still wasn't enough.
dobber
June 04, 2026 at 10:24 am
Imagine where they would've been those couple years WITHOUT Peppers---you know, the guy well into his 30s that we all expected would be a rotational OLB with managed snaps.
Guam
June 03, 2026 at 06:50 am
If the Packers believe they truly need a veteran pass rusher why not sign one of Clowney, Reddick, Jordan or Epenesa (if he can pass a physical) for half the price of Sweat and with no loss of draft choice? Just because Sweat might be available and has worked with Gannon previously does not mean he is the best Edge value out there. I would much rather see the Packers conserve some cap space for a veteran LT on the OL than blow all their available cap space on Sweat when cheaper options can be had.
BuckyBadger
June 03, 2026 at 06:53 am
With Parsons missing the first 4 games and probably needing some time to get back to full speed after that I do see a need for a veteran pass rusher. Sweat is playing the back 9 of his career at his age but can be effective and would know what will be asked of him from day 1. Not sure I give up much for him however. I like the idea of brining in Clowney who is great against the run and can be had without a draft pick.
TKWorldWide
June 03, 2026 at 07:03 am
Are some thinking the Rams’ addition of Garrett is what started this discussion?
dobber
June 03, 2026 at 07:49 am
No. Sweat to the Packers has been kicked around in the blogosphere since before the draft.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 09:13 am
At the cost of a 5th round pick? Even though that cost hasn't been verified, it still makes it very interesting and cheap.
TKWorldWide
June 03, 2026 at 10:48 am
Good.
Oxymoron 3339
June 03, 2026 at 07:12 am
Geez if we can get him for a 4th or a 5th that would be great. I’m hearing a 2nd is what it will take.
Then I say no.
dobber
June 03, 2026 at 07:51 am
I've heard both.
If the Cards are legit shopping him around, it might drive the price up.
When it's mostly bloggers telling you what it will take to get a guy, it doesn't mean very much.
mrtundra
June 03, 2026 at 08:14 am
Love to see Sorrell get more opportunities. That may not happen, if we get Sweat.
LeotisHarris
June 03, 2026 at 08:39 am
Gannon would know, right? Chemistry on D would play a part, too. It's all very enticing on paper, especially if he can be had for a 5th round pick, but does he really make us better? I could go either way on this one.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 08:45 am
He’s had a chronic knee condition since high school that he’s supposedly had to manage through his career. If that has deteriorated then I’d want a detailed medical assessment before even thinking of this idea seriously.
Leaving the above aside, I’d be willing to swap him for Van Ness. That may require a sweetener pick later in the draft. Youth for them and a proven older performer for us and next year only an additional $2.5 million on our cap.
I’d absolutely be against taking on a cap hit between Sweat and Van Ness of over 30million next year on top of Parsons’. We need that money to retain genuine talent elsewhere. Quite conceivably both could be gone after that too, leaving a huge hole even if Parsons is still afforded. Which one do we want? Both would not be sound roster management.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 09:18 am
"Leaving the above aside, I’d be willing to swap him for Van Ness. That may require a sweetener pick later in the draft. Youth for them and a proven older performer for us and next year only an additional $2.5 million on our cap."
Now that is a very interesting idea CW. But if we were giving them Van Ness, and if Sweat is saying GB or bust, then I am asking for Trey Benson as well. Van Ness looks like he will never turn out to be any more than a 4-5 sack guy, but he is only 24 tears old and has healthy knees. I would float that idea. It is similar to what the Rams did, only their Edge had actual NFL production to offer.
If we could get Sweat & Benson for LVN, that is no brainer of a trade that helps both teams. Arizon would be moving on from a problem (Sweat) and trading a 4th string RB(Benson) who plays a non-premium position. They would get back a very young premium position player who still has untapped potential. Pro teams love that word potential. This trade could work for both teams. For GB it's a win/win deal. We get an above average Edge for 2026, and add a RB who has the potential to be RB1 or 2. And we could flip Sweat in 2027 when he has no guaranteed $$$.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 05:26 pm
LVN is young, but not vastly cheaper next year and will become expensive if he works out. He’s obviously not a proven producer at this point whereas Sweat is. Do you really think they would give us Benson and Sweat for him? That seems unlikely to me unless they are so tired of Benson that it’s essentially a throwaway.
To me, it’s an either/or proposition at OLB, not one of addition. Pick the one most likely to get 8+ sacks this season and trade or not based on that. This is not a good opportunity to add, but it is perhaps to improve in our window and yet better suit where they are.
I would swap LVN for him with minor draft compensation perhaps for that reason and not complicate it. Benson would be a separate, later, proposition for me if Jacobs is looking to be a risk. By the way, Herman, not hitherto a fan of Strong, was singing his praises today.
GregC
June 03, 2026 at 11:38 am
I don't like the idea of trading Van Ness right when he finally seems to be getting good. The fact that the Packers felt he was worth the 5th year option suggests that they feel the same way, but of course you never know.
Coldworld
June 04, 2026 at 08:06 am
We keep hearing that LVN “is just getting good”. On what do you base that? No matter how I look at it, I don’t see anything that doesn’t melt away under scrutiny.
Last year LVN had 2 sacks in 263 snaps, playing about 45% of the snaps in games he was available for. At the 45% of snaps he was hitting last season before his injury, it’s 4.5 sacks for the year if he plays in every game.
If he played only 14 that’s 4 sacks, the same number Cox got in 5 games in 2024 playing 35% of the snaps in 4 games in 2024. Cox, a UDFA, got a sack against the Vikings and one in the playoffs over at a similar rate of sacks per snap to the prior year, somewhere between a third and a half the number LVN takes. If Cox is that much more effective, others can be too.
The only basis for believing Van Ness is “getting good” is blind faith and the same raw athleticism that got him (over)drafted. If Van Ness isn’t at least 50% more productive he may be pushed to remain a starter until Parsons comes back out of necessity, if any of the others flash and our coaches have any ambition.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 09:30 am
My #1 move to add a pass rusher would be to just sign Clowney and be done with it. His projected cost is $5 million and that is a bargain for what he offers and would give us. Insurance for Parsons missing at least 4 games, and actual NFL production that none of our young guys have. I am not keen on the possibility of losing 2 of the "easiest" games on our schedule because we want to give the young guys a "Tryout" to see what they can do. That is a recipe for disaster.
Clowney, Epenesa, Jordan, or even Sweat would not take all the snaps from the young guys, and other than Epenesa, would only be 1 year bridge players. The best of both worlds, the young guys aren't depended on to "Save the world" but they still get alot of valuable reps too.
Acquiring Sweat is great in 2 ways. we get an even better pass rusher for a little more money and a draft pick. But he is an even better bridge player because we could easily trade him next year and get more draft compensation back than we gave up for him. That's a huge Win/Win for GB in my book.
If the Cardinals would trade Sweat & Benson for LVN or a 4th round pick, I would be all for it. If not, then pivot right away and sign Clowney or one of the others, get the pass rush insurance and still go all in but in a cheaper way.
13TimeChamps
June 03, 2026 at 11:03 am
"because we could easily trade him next year and get more draft compensation back than we gave up for him."
If his supposed worth at 29 is a 5th rounder, why would his worth go up...assuming we could find a trade partner...when he is 30? That doesn't make any sense.
golfpacker61
June 03, 2026 at 11:39 am
Because he wants to play in GB or with the Eagles. WE are his #1 team. Arizona doesn't want to trade him, he wants out and has the leverage. So GB gets him for less and sells him for more on the OPEN market. Not only to 2 teams.
How old is Garrett? Yes he is the best defensive player in the NFL but he is the same age. How old was Gary? Teams are begging for pass rushing help every year so unloading Sweat, especially if he came off another good year, would be easy. We got a 4th round pick for Gary, a player everyone knew we would cut, because he was an average pass rushing Edge. And he was making more $$ than Sweat gets in 2027 & 2028 with no guaranteed money.
Why are Bosa, Clowney, Bradley Chubb, Trey Hendrickson, Khalil Mack and other older pass rushers signed every year for big money? Because everyone needs pass rushers. That's why it would be easy to trade Sweat and get a good return.
13TimeChamps
June 03, 2026 at 11:54 am
Just because there are internet rumors that Sweat can be had for a 5th, doesn't mean Arizona has to agree to it. They still have him under contract for the next 3 years I believe. They can hang on to him until they get what they think is fair for them, regardless of whether Sweat "wants" to play for GB or anyone else.
Could it happen? Sure. But I'll believe your scenario of getting him for a 5th, then trading him a year later for higher compensation...when it actually happens. Until then, I'll file that under a fan's wishful thinking. But anything is possible I guess.
LambeauPlain
June 03, 2026 at 10:03 am
How to win in the NFL? Pressure the passer...and protect the passer.
Love is outstanding when not under pressure. His rating absolutely plummets under pressure. The unproven starting OL (as a unit) and quality depth remains the greatest Packer concern going into the 2026 campaign.
Opposing Offenses did not fare well during the Parsons 2025 season. Without him, their pressure also plummeted culminating in 5 straight losses for a disappointing season fizzle. Generating relentless QB pressure is also a concern going into 2026.
A 4th or 5th for a proven Sweat coming off a 12 sack season who WANTS to be in Green Bay with Gannon...and play with Parsons no doubt...as a one or two year rental? Player swap with Van Ness for Sweat and Benson as a few have mentioned here? Less attractive, but I would do that deal too. Frankly, Sorrell, DDS and Cox, Jr. show more upside.
The scales tip heavily to "make a deal".
Cheezehead72
June 03, 2026 at 10:13 am
"Opposing Offenses did not fare well during the Parsons 2025 season." How many points did the Cowboys score?
"Without him, their pressure also plummeted culminating in 5 straight losses for a disappointing season fizzle." Was he the only injury?
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 05:49 pm
Be honest, other than Gary’s 7 sacks in the first handle of the season no one showed any spark. Van Ness was on course for maybe 5 sacks if healthy. Gary dropped off a cliff. Sorrell barely played and injury made Cox and OlIver able to contribute even less. Cox did get a sack in the playoff game to add to his one against the Vikings. Had he played more then perhaps he might have made a difference.
greengold
June 03, 2026 at 10:40 am
Gannon’s Super Bowl D with PHI in 2022: 9 DL, 8 LB, 6 CB, 4 S.
That’s 27 players, heavy on Pass Rush. Make the trade.
There’s also the notion of Gutekunst tendencies to bring in a proven veteran player at the same position he intends to draft as a mentor to show a new rookie the way. Dani Dennis Sutton can learn much from Josh Sweat.
Add to this that Sweat has spent years playing at a top level in Gannon-led defenses. Sweat will help all the other EDGE players in understanding what Gannon requires at the position.
The more common situation we’ve witnessed is Gutekunst signs/trades for a solid veteran. A Sweat trade would take that to another level with his vast experience playing for Gannon specifically. Highly uncommon, and those two coming together will help the entire ED Room, including Parsons.
*Zaire Franklin reuniting with Gannon should have that same added bonus for GB’s LB Room.
There is ZERO downside with this if Sweat passes his physical.
Do it.
HarryHodag
June 03, 2026 at 10:51 am
A lot of this "Sweat-No Sweat" stuff is built deeply on speculation. I don't think Gutey will make a move now. If need be, he could be had closer to the trade deadline.
Lets look at it from Arizona's perspective. Sweat will be a key cog in a defense that wasn't all that good last year but you can't help but think will be improved. If I'm Mike LaFleur I wouldn't want to essentially give away one of my best players when I'm trying to rebuild the defense. At the very least I would want a player in exchange along with a draft pick.
I think the folks in the league know his knees are an issue and you don't necessarily want to take on a guy who could be sitting on the sidelines much of the season, along with eating his contract. That is why the 'fifth round pick' talk emerged. Gannon got to see Sweat up close and personal and if they wanted him, they would have pulled the trade June 1 so he could be here.
One thing about the Interweb....there's no shortage of folks who claim 'inside information'.
Cheezehead72
June 03, 2026 at 11:19 am
Harry I have inside information the only bad thing is that it is information no one cares about.
Coldworld
June 03, 2026 at 05:53 pm
Arizona is in a rebuild and Sweat doesn’t look like a great fit for that timeline. Who knows, if we gave LVN they might bite due to his youth and run stoutness, but they aren’t just going to give him away and don’t need to worry about his cap hit if he truly is unhappy.
Alberta_Packer
June 03, 2026 at 12:33 pm
I would prioritize solid O-line depth over adding another edge rusher. However if Sweat can be acquired with a Day 3 pick - with little or no contract guarantees after this year. Why not? A prime - relatively sound edge rusher - for approximately 16M - for one year - could be an attractive R.O.I.
Starrbrite
June 04, 2026 at 09:30 am
Exactly what JerseyAl stated earlier in this thread; who wouldn’t take 12 sacks per season-bam. And as Jersey said, Gary couldn’t/diid not come close.
Go Packers!!!