Cowboys Encouraged to Pursue Trade for $76.4 Million Pass Rusher
Through free agency, trades and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys made several moves to improve their pass rush. Some of their most notable additions include EDGE Malachi Lawrence and EDGE Rashan Gary.
Last season, the Cowboys were tied for 22nd in sacks (35), meaning the unit was in need of an overhaul. Their defensive struggles were a key piece to going 7-9-1 and missing the playoffs under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
While the front office has taken several measures to give the pass rush a boost, there's still an opportunity for growth. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox writes that if the Arizona Cardinals made EDGE Josh Sweat available via trade, the Cowboys should take advantage.
"Dallas has taken steps to rebuild its pass rush this offseason, trading for Rashan Gary before drafting Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham," Knox wrote. "However, with Clowney still unsigned, James Houston is the Cowboys' most productive returning edge-rusher… If Josh Sweat becomes available, adding him would help Dallas get the most out of its 2026 campaign."
Sweat is coming off his first season with the Cardinals after signing a four-year, $76.4 million contract. Starting all 17 games, he accumulated 30 tackles, 12 sacks (career-high), 13 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits and 28 pressures.
The Cardinals cashed in on his deal, with Sweat being the 31st highest graded (74.2) EDGE last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite his production, Arizona went just 3-14 and is undergoing a sizeable rebuild.
Trading Sweat at just 29 years old and with three more seasons of team control could help Arizona maximize the amount of value they get in a trade. While the Cowboys have emphasized improving their pass rush this offseason, acquiring Sweat would be a major boost.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 1:34 PM.