Josh Sweat, the guy who just bagged 12 sacks last season and signed a massive four-year, $76.4 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals, is reportedly unhappy in the desert. Yeah, you read that right. And if the rumors are true that he wants out, the Chicago Bears need to be all over this, because this move could absolutely elevate their 2026 season from “good” to “contender.”
The Bears Are Hungry, And They Need This Edge
Look, the Bears had a *great* 2025 season. They’ve got the head coach, the quarterback, and a roster that’s undeniably playoff caliber. But just making the playoffs? That’s not enough for them anymore. They want to be legitimate contenders, and to do that, they know they need to make some big moves before the season kicks off. One glaring spot that needs help, big time, is their pass rush. In 2025, Montez Sweat was the only Bear to hit double-digit sacks, and guess what? They haven’t made any notable additions to that group this offseason. This isn’t just about getting better, it’s about getting *elite*.
What’s Going On With Josh Sweat in Arizona?
This is where it gets wild. Josh Sweat was worth every penny of that $76.4 million contract he inked before the 2025 season. He played all 17 games and racked up 12 sacks, plus a career-high 28 pressures. The man delivered. So why the rumors of unhappiness this offseason? Simple: the Cardinals were one of the worst teams in the league last year, and nobody’s expecting much better in 2026. ESPN’s Dan Graziano confirmed Sweat isn’t happy, and reporters aren’t even saying it’s a contract issue. It sounds like he just wants out of Arizona’s rebuild, especially under a new coaching staff. Sweat is still under contract for three more seasons and hasn’t even turned 30 yet, so he’s not a rental; he’s a long-term solution. The Cardinals aren’t close to contention, and there’s no reason for them to keep an unhappy star.
A Day 2 Pick For This Kind of Talent? It’s a Steal!
Moe Moton from Bleacher Report hit it spot on: trading Sweat needs to happen, and the Bears are the perfect landing spot. The Cardinals should move him for a Day 2 pick in next year’s draft. Think about that: a player coming off a 12-sack, Pro Bowl season, with two seasons of double-digit sacks on his resume, could be had for what might only be a second-round pick! That’s absolute robbery for a pass-rusher-needy team like Chicago. If this deal can actually get done for a second-rounder, the Bears have no excuse. They need to pull the trigger, add Sweat’s dynamic presence to their defense, and finally take that next step toward true contention.
The question isn’t if the Cardinals *should* trade him, it’s if the Bears *will* make the move. If they do, their aspirations for 2026 instantly get a huge shot in the arm. This isn’t just a roster upgrade; it’s a statement.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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