The writing was on the wall — and the money was on the table — long before former Philadelphia Eagles star Josh Sweat signed a 4-year, $76.4 million free agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals on March 10.
Sweat played his way into that type of mega deal in 2024 as he led the Eagles in sacks and was arguably the best defensive player on the NFL’s best defense for the Super Bowl champions.
Sweat’s decision to join the Cardinals was called out by The Athletic’s Mike Sando as one of the NFL’s best offseason moves. It also reunites Sweat with former Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who has been Arizona’s head coach since 2023.
“Adding Josh Sweat in free agency addressed Arizona’s massive need for proven pass-rush help,” Sando wrote on May 29. “Sweat’s 43 sacks for Philadelphia since 2019 dwarf the totals for any Cardinal over that span … Sweat carries risk with a knee that requires management, but his history with the Cardinals’ coaches assures a solid fit.”
Eagles Put Money Behind Huff, Not Sweat in 2024
The Eagles almost alway make the right move when it comes to free agency and the draft. The process surrounding Sweat’s eventual exit was one of the few times they’ve missed in recent years.
Sweat played 2024 on a 1-year, $10 million contract for the Eagles while the team decided to invest heavily at the position in free agency with a 3-year, $51.1 million contract for edge rusher Bryce Huff.
