The Dallas Cowboys may not be done rebuilding their roster yet. With a critical need for an edge rusher, analysts urge the team to trade for a proven Super Bowl-winning pass rusher. 

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox projected Arizona Cardinals' edge rusher Josh Sweat as a potential trade target for the Cowboys. Knox believes his addition will help address the team’s pass-rush void following the Micah Parsons trade.  

“Now, Dallas has taken steps to rebuild its pass rush this offseason,” Knox wrote. “While Gary, Houston, and the rookies may make for a functional edge rotation, the Cowboys shouldn’t leave anything to chance. If Sweat becomes available, adding him would help Dallas get the most out of its 2026 campaign.”

Sweat recorded 30 tackles (20 solo), 17 QB hits, two passes defended, and 12 sacks last season. He also finished eighth among the NFL’s top individual sack leaders during the 2025 regular season. 

Sweat has recorded a total of 267 tackles (168 solo), 114 QB hits, and 55 sacks for 121 games played across eight seasons in the NFL.

The Cowboys traded for Rashan Gary, and drafted Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence. Knox believes it remains uncertain whether the current group can consistently generate the necessary pass pressure.

According to Cardinals' insider Kyle Odegard, Sweat is ‘not particularly happy’ in Arizona. 

The Pro Bowler was traded to the Cardinals after a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. He signed a four-year $76.4 million contract with the Cardinals, playing as a primary pass rusher.

Sweat reunited with former Eagles defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, who became the current Arizona’s head coach in 2025. Gannon helped him record 11 sacks during his Eagles' tenure in 2022. 

For the Cowboys, adding Sweat would bring in proven experience and provide immediate impact to the defense unit.

Dallas Needs a Proven Veteran Alongside Young Edge Talent 

According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Cowboys need a veteran pass rusher to bring depth to their defensive line. He believes the team need to bolster their unit and guide their young talents.

“Edge rusher is a position that isn’t a hole, per se, but definitely has questions,” Schatz wrote. “Rashan Gary, acquired from Green Bay, didn’t have a sack in the final 10 games of last season. Donovan Ezeiruaku is coming off hip surgery and has been limited in the offseason. Sam Williams had just one sack in 2025."

The Cowboys have already shifted Gary, Ezeiruaku, and Williams into outside linebacker roles under the new 3-4 defense. However, questions still remain about the consistency of the group. 

According to Schatz, James Houston recorded 5.5 sacks but was unable to ‘play against the run'. Marist Liufau has also not played the position before. With Lawrence being a rookie, Schatz believes the unit lacks experience and proven production.

This is the primary reason why analysts believe Josh Sweat to be an ideal addition to the Cowboys after his standout season with the Cardinals.

Sweat can be a veteran addition and a quick starter, as he would be familiar with the scheme of DC Parker, considering their previous stint with the Eagles.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi