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.
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 rumorsKnox believes the structure benefits all three teams.
He continued:
On Carolina's fit, Knox added:
While trade speculation continues, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported in June that Arizona was not actively shopping Sweat.
Contract details and salary cap implicationsSweat 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.
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 rumorsKnox believes the structure benefits all three teams.
He continued:
On Carolina's fit, Knox added:
While trade speculation continues, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported in June that Arizona was not actively shopping Sweat.
Contract details and salary cap implicationsSweat 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.
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