NFL Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears linked with $76 million Arizona Cardinals pass rusher in proposed three-team deal
The Chicago Bears continue to be connected with defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and the latest proposal involves a blockbuster three-team trade for Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat. The former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler, who signed a four-year, $76 million contract with Arizona, has resurfaced in trade speculation despite joining the Cardinals only last offseason. If the deal materializes, Chicago would address one of its biggest weaknesses after recording just 35 sacks last season.
| Category | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Josh Sweat | |
| Current Team | Arizona Cardinals | |
| Rumored Team | Chicago Bears | |
| Contract Status | Four-year, $76 million contract | |
| Salary Cap Hit | Part of four-year, $76 million deal | |
| Trade Likelihood | Moderate (proposal only) | |
| Latest Insider Update | Ian Rapoport previously said Arizona was not looking to trade Sweat | |
| Potential Return | Cole Kmet, 2027 fourth-round picks from Bears and Panthers | |
Which teams are interested in Josh Sweat?
The proposed trade, first outlined by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, would send Josh Sweat to the Bears, tight end Cole Kmet to the Carolina Panthers, and draft compensation to the Arizona Cardinals.Chicago’s interest is easy to understand. The Bears struggled to consistently pressure quarterbacks in 2025, finishing with only 35 sacks. Adding a proven edge rusher like Sweat would immediately strengthen a defensive front that lacks an established game-changing pass rusher.The Panthers also fit naturally into the proposal. Carolina needs another reliable pass-catching tight end after Tommy Tremble led the position group with only 249 receiving yards last season. Kmet could fill that void after losing targets in Chicago following the arrival of first-round tight end Colston Loveland.Arizona’s role is more complicated. While Trey McBride remains entrenched as the Cardinals’ top tight end, acquiring draft picks would provide additional flexibility if the organization ever reconsidered Sweat’s future.
What insiders are saying about the trade rumors
Knox believes the structure benefits all three teams.
“In this hypothetical trade (Josh Sweat to the Bears, Cole Kmet to the Carolina Panthers, and a Bears’ 2027 fourth-round pick and Panthers’ 2027 fourth-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals), the Cardinals get solid compensation by sending Sweat to the Chicago Bears and involving the Carolina Panthers.”
He continued:
“Chicago needs to bolster a pass rush that recorded just 35 sacks last season. The Bears also have a potential trade chip in tight end Cole Kmet, who may no longer have a prominent role with the Bears. He was previously Chicago’s primary receiving tight end, but that role now belongs to Colston Loveland. The Bears also just drafted tight end Sam Roush in the third round.”
On Carolina’s fit, Knox added:
“With Trey McBride already in the fold, though, the Cardinals don’t need a pass-catching tight end. However, the Carolina Panthers do. Tommy Tremble led all Panthers tight ends with just 249 receiving yards last season.”
While trade speculation continues, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported in June that Arizona was not actively shopping Sweat.
Contract details and salary cap implications
Sweat signed a four-year, $76 million contract with the Cardinals after helping Philadelphia win Super Bowl LIX. There has been no indication of a no-trade clause attached to his deal, meaning Arizona would have flexibility if it chose to explore offers.The 29-year-old rewarded the Cardinals immediately, posting a career-best 12 sacks, 30 tackles and one forced fumble during his first season in Arizona. That production also makes him one of the franchise’s most valuable defensive pieces, raising the asking price in any negotiations.
How the trade could impact both teams
For Chicago, acquiring Sweat would address arguably the roster’s biggest concern before the season begins. Pairing an established pass rusher with the Bears’ young defensive core could significantly improve a defense that struggled to consistently disrupt opposing quarterbacks.Arizona, meanwhile, would sacrifice its top edge defender but gain future draft assets while reshaping the roster around younger players. Carolina would strengthen its offense by adding Kmet, giving its quarterback another dependable receiving option at tight end.For now, the proposal remains hypothetical. But with training camp approaching and Chicago still searching for more production off the edge, Josh Sweat’s name is unlikely to disappear from the rumor mill anytime soon.
