Arizona Cardinals Sign Josh Sweat: A Strategic Move to Bolster Pass Rush
PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Cardinals made headlines this offseason by signing outside linebacker Josh Sweat, an addition deemed the team’s best move by The Athletic’s Mike Sando. Addressing a critical need for pass-rush capability, the Cardinals aim to enhance their defensive performance in the upcoming season.
Since J.J. Watt’s 12.5 sacks in 2022, Arizona has struggled to find a consistent pass rusher, evident in their 2024 tally of 41 sacks, ranking 13th in the NFL. No player recorded more than five sacks, underscoring the urgency for improvement. Sweat, with 43 sacks for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2019, dwarfs the efforts of the Cardinals’ previous players, such as Chandler Jones and Dennis Gardeck.
Coming off a strong season with the Eagles where he notched 41 tackles and eight sacks, Sweat also shone in the playoffs, contributing to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win against Kansas City. His performance caught attention for its impact and scalability.
Sando pointed out that Sweat’s familiarity with the Cardinals’ coaching staff — having played under head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis in Philadelphia — should foster a smooth transition and maximize his potential in Arizona’s system. Despite injury concerns regarding his knee, Sweat’s proven track record, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2021, positions him as a vital asset for the team.
In addition to Sweat, the Cardinals reinforced their defensive line by signing Dalvin Tomlinson and reuniting with Calais Campbell, while also introducing promising talents from the NFL Draft, including Walter Nolen and Jordan Bruch. These strategic moves signal Arizona’s commitment to building a formidable defense ahead of the 2025 season.
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