Analyst suggests that Josh Sweat is a fit for most of the NFC North

[ASFN Admin]

NFL teams are always looking for pass rushers. The Minnesota Vikings are expecting Dallas Turner to continue his ascension and fill in for Jonathan Greenard, who was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles during the draft last month.

But losing Greenard leaves the Vikings thin at edge rusher. They still have Andrew Van Ginkel on the other side, but he will be 31 in July, and the depth behind the two starters is concerning. Among the top reserves at edge are Bo Richter, Tyler Batty, and Chaz Chambliss, all former UDFAs who probably provide more value on special teams than on defense.

That could mean Minnesota is in line to acquire another edge defender before the season, but don't expect that player to be Josh Sweat. The 29-year-old defender racked up 12 sacks in 2025 for the Arizona Cardinals, but according to John Gambadaro of 98.7 FM Phoenix, Sweat is skipping OTAs for non-injury-related reasons.

This development prompted Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox to look at seven teams that could try to trade for Sweat. Knox doesn't have the Vikings in the running for Sweat, but he does have the three NFC North rivals as candidates for him.

As for compensation, Knox says a conditional 2027 fourth-round pick that could turn into a third-round pick could make sense given Sweat's contract.

Sweat doesn't have the same long-term upside as Jaelan Phillips, who was traded for a third-round pick at last year's deadline. His value is further diminished by the fact that edge-defenders like Joey Bosa, Von Miller, Kyle Van Noy, Jadeveon Clowney, and Leonard Floyd are still available and free to sign without any trade compensation.

On the flip side, Sweat has three years left on a four-year, $76.4 million contract. The Cardinals could save $10.9 million by trading him after June 1, but they'd also trigger a $31.8 million dead-cap hit—and trading Sweat before June 1 would cost an additional $5.6 million in 2026 cap space.

Arizona isn't likely to eat that much dead money without getting a reasonable return for Sweat. They're likely to start the bidding at the same third-round price that the Philadelphia Eagles paid for a half-season of Phillips, even if teams aren't eager to match.

Before joining the Cardinals last offseason, Sweat spent his first seven seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, generating 43 sacks and making the Pro Bowl following the 2021 season, where he racked up 11 sacks.

He may not be wearing purple this year, but Sweat could affect the Vikings' short- and long-term aspirations if he is traded to Chicago, Detroit, or Green Bay this offseason.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings not named a fit in the NFC North for Cardinal's Josh Sweat

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