Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Targeting Josh Sweat Before the NFL Trade Deadline

2026-11-02 general

Dallas, Sunday, 1 November 2026.
Dallas is targeting Arizona edge rusher Josh Sweat to revive the NFL’s worst third-down defense, while the rebuilding Cardinals seek high-value draft capital ahead of the November 10 deadline.

The Urgency Behind Dallas’ Sweat Pursuit

With the NFL trade deadline just nine days away on November 10, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys are making a calculated push for Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Josh Sweat. The urgency stems from a defense that has struggled mightily on third downs, allowing a league-worst 52.0% conversion rate through seven games [alert! ‘as of Week 8’] [1]. Sweat’s arrival would address a critical roster need while aligning with owner Jerry Jones’ win-now mentality ahead of a potential postseason push. The Cowboys’ defensive deficiencies have been glaring, with 30th-place rankings in takeaways (4) and opponent rushing yards (145.7 per game) [1].

Arizona’s Rebuilding Equation

For the 2-5 Cardinals, trading Sweat represents more than just roster flexibility—it’s a strategic move to accelerate their rebuild. ESPN analysts Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler have rated Sweat as the NFL’s third-most likely trade candidate, with a 40% chance of being moved before the deadline [3]. The Cardinals’ front office, already reshaping the roster after trading Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans, is reportedly seeking a high-value Day 2 draft pick in exchange for Sweat [3][5]. Sweat’s contract, signed in 2025 for four years at $76.4 million, carries only $5 million in remaining salary for the 2026 season, making him an attractive cap-friendly addition for contenders [3][5].

Sweat’s On-Field Impact

While the Cardinals’ record suggests a rebuild, Sweat’s individual performance has remained consistent. Entering Week 8, he recorded 2 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, and 3 tackles for loss, building on a career-high 12-sack season in 2025 [1][3]. His track record includes two sacks against the Cowboys in their Week 1 matchup, a familiarity that could ease his transition to Dallas [7]. The Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, has emphasized the need for edge talent, and Sweat’s presence would bolster a unit ranked 30th in points allowed per game (28.5) [GPT].

The Trade Deadline Chess Match

As the trade deadline approaches, the Cowboys face constraints in their trade capital. With only four 2027 draft picks (including a first-rounder) and prior trades that utilized future picks, the front office must craft a competitive offer [9]. NFL insiders have noted that Jerry Jones is open to ‘dynamic situations,’ but the cost of elite pass rushers like Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby remains prohibitive [5]. The Bears’ recent blockbuster trade for Jeffery Simmons underscores the market’s volatility, with contenders willing to part with premium assets for defensive upgrades [4]. Sweat’s availability presents a rare opportunity for Dallas to address a glaring weakness without mortgaging future draft capital.

Sources

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