The Chicago Bears have missed out on numerous opportunities to bolster their pass rush this year. They didn’t have the money to go big-game hunting in free agency, and they didn’t use any of their draft picks either. Right now, they’re going into 2026 with the exact same group of edge rushers as last season. What was the definition of insanity again? The point is, it feels like nothing other than a stroke of remarkable good fortune can help the Bears now. So you can imagine the reaction to hearing that veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat isn’t happy in Arizona.
The former Super Bowl champion signed with the Cardinals last season, rejoining his former coach, Jonathan Gannon. They’d worked together in Philadelphia. However, Gannon was subsequently fired after the season, pushing the team towards yet another reset and leaving Sweat in a tough spot. He’s on a bad team now set to play for a coaching staff he doesn’t know. It appears that is not something he’s happy about. Reports out of Arizona indicate he has not been present at Organized Team Activities.
While that doesn’t necessarily mean a holdout is happening, some believe it could be looming.
Josh Sweat is 1000% somebody the Bears should target.
As veteran pass rushers go, he is one of the better ones in the NFL. Since 2021, he has 45 sacks and 91 quarterback hits. That includes 12 sacks last season for an otherwise dismal football team. He just turned 29 years old, so he’s still in the tail end of his prime. His 6’5″, 265 lbs frame meets the size requirements of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Most importantly, his contract is affordable. Unlike Maxx Crosby and Trey Hendrickson, Sweat only costs around $16.3 million this season.
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He has three years left on his current contract, meaning the Bears would control his rights beyond just one year. All they’d have to do is some restructuring of their books. It is possible to do so without completely mortgaging the future. If ever there was a sensible move that would instantly upgrade the team’s most problematic area, this is the one. Best of all, the cost to get him would likely be cost-effective. Given age and contract, you’re probably looking at a 3rd round pick.
Much hinges on how forceful Sweat will be.
It’s evident the Cardinals aren’t going anywhere this season. They have no quarterback to speak of and are breaking in a new coaching staff. Most consider them heavy favorites to compete for the #1 overall pick next spring. If fans and media can see that, you can bet Josh Sweat sees the same thing. Nobody would want to be part of something like that. Sweat has grown used to winning in his long career. Is he willing to do the things necessary to force a trade out of town? He is taking the typical first step.
As for the Bears, much of this depends on how stubborn they’re going to be. They continue insisting they believe Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner can be contributors once they return from injuries. Evidence from last season casts serious doubt on that. Austin Booker could be really good if he stays healthy, but that is a dangerous gamble as well. Sweat is a proven NFL commodity and has performed at the highest level. If the Bears can get him for minor draft capital, they have every reason to pull the trigger.
