Josh Sweat spent the offseason at the center of speculation, but when the Cardinals finally lined up for Week 1, he answered the only way that really matters: with production.
Arizona’s outside linebacker was on the move in rumors for months, with reports tying him to trade talks before training camp and plenty of chatter suggesting he might be unhappy after the Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. Nothing happened. Sweat stayed put, started the season on PUP after a procedure, then came off the list before the regular season and got right back into the mix.
In the opener, he logged 53% of the snaps, the most of any outside linebacker, and finished with two tackles, including one for loss, in Arizona’s upset win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Afterward, he made it clear he had heard all of it - and chose not to feed it.
"There was a lot of noise in the offseason, but I didn't respond purposely," said Sweat. "I just wanted to see how far people's imagination could take it."
One of the louder threads had him linked to the Green Bay Packers, a fit that made sense on paper because of their need for pass-rush help and Sweat’s connection to Gannon, who is now their defensive coordinator. But the deal never materialized, and Sweat used his first chance to speak publicly after the game to shut down the idea that he was looking for an exit.
"People think I only came here for one reason and that was Jonathan Gannon, and yeah, that made the decision easier for me, but I know the guys that were here," Sweat added.
"I love the way they play. I love that we want to make something bigger happen here. It's too good of a place to be where it was last year.
The Cardinals are going to need that version of Sweat all season. He posted 12 sacks last year, and if Arizona is going to keep surprising people, that kind of pressure off the edge has to show up again. His comfort in Nick Rallis’ system could only help, too.
There’s no mystery about what Sweat brings. He can chase quarterbacks, wreck protections, and create chances for everyone else around him. That makes him one of the most important pieces on Arizona’s defense.
For now, the noise should fade. The rumors may return closer to the November deadline, but Sweat’s message was simple: he’s where he wants to be. And around the Cardinals, that’s the line they’re sticking to as well.
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Chargers Already Face An Ugly Harbaugh Backlash After Week 1
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Breiden Fehoko added another layer to the aftermath by going after Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz on social media, turning a bad Week 1 into an early referendum on the roster-building process. With Las Vegas next on the schedule, the Chargers do not have much time to settle the noise before they have to show whether this was a one-off stumble or the start of a much bigger problem. [Read more 🡒]
Cardinals Sent A Message In Week 1 Few Fans Expected
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Jeremiyah Love got Arizona on the board early with a touchdown, and from there the Cardinals did enough on both sides to stay in command. It was the kind of Week 1 performance that can change how a team is viewed, especially when it comes away from a tough road environment with a result like this, even if the larger test of what it means for the season is still ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks QB Situation Just Changed Arizonas Next NFC West Test
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For Arizona, it adds another layer to a stretch that already demands attention in the division race. Darnolds injury is not considered major, and a return as soon as Week 4 remains possible, but his Week 3 status is also up in the air, leaving Seattles quarterback situation unsettled for the immediate future. The Cardinals will prepare for Lock, but theyll also have one eye on how much longer this version of the Seahawks offense might look different. [Read more 🡒]