The Green Bay Packers’ defense has already looked better than expected under Jonathan Gannon’s tutelage, with the new defensive coordinator pushing that group to another level. The secondary has more freedom, the front is bringing more pressure, and the unit has held up well.
Even with that progress, there’s still room to add. Micah Parsons’ imminent return is a major factor, but in the NFC North, depth on defense never feels like a luxury.
That’s why Jordan Schultz’s report that Josh Sweat is open to a trade stands out. If the Arizona Cardinals are willing to listen, Green Bay looks like one of the cleanest fits on the board. It might be a move that borders on overkill, but it would also give the Packers a real jolt.
This isn’t the first time Sweat has been connected to Lambeau Field. He landed in Arizona to reunite with Gannon, who coached him with the Philadelphia Eagles, so the relationship between the two is already established.
There was also some chatter earlier about Sweat missing offseason workouts, but the Cardinals quickly dismissed those concerns. Now, with the season moving along, he may not be eager to spend the rest of his prime on a losing team.
Sweat has been the clear bright spot in Mike LaFleur’s defense this year. Through eight games, all starts, he has 22 total tackles, including 13 solo stops, along with four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, and 3.0 sacks. He also has 15 total pressures and has made his presence felt against the run.
His fit in Green Bay makes sense for more than one reason. Sweat already knows Gannon’s system, and he brings the kind of versatility that travels well. He can line up as a classic defensive end in a 4-3 or work as an outside linebacker in a 3-4.
The price would matter, of course. The Cardinals would likely ask for a strong return, and Parsons’ eventual comeback could make the Packers think twice. Still, if Green Bay wants another stopper for offenses like the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions, Sweat would be a major upgrade and could step into Karl Brooks’ spot.
In Other News...
Packers Walk Into A Patriots Moment That Will Dominate This Week
The Week 9 trip to New England already had a little extra shine for the Packers, and now it has a broadcast wrinkle to match. Tom Brady is set to call a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium for the first time in his broadcasting career when Green Bay visits Foxborough, adding another layer of attention to a matchup that was already going to draw plenty of eyes.
Brady said he is excited to return to the stadium where so many of his biggest moments unfolded, while Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and others around the organization have been taking stock of the occasion. The conversation around the game has also drifted toward Rob Gronkowskis upcoming Hall of Fame induction, giving this week in Foxborough a distinctly Patriots flavor even before the teams take the field. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Trade Buzz Just Raised The Stakes For This Defense
With the NFL trade deadline drawing near, Green Bay has started to look like a team that could be more than a bystander. The Packers have reason to explore help on defense, especially with Micah Parsons expected back from injury, and the idea of adding another proven edge presence has only sharpened the conversation around how aggressive they want to be.
One name that has surfaced in that discussion is Khalil Mack, a veteran pass rusher who would give Green Bay another disruptive piece if the Chargers decide to listen. Los Angeles has stumbled this season, which only adds to the intrigue around whether a player of Macks caliber could become available, and for the Packers the appeal is obvious: a chance to deepen a defense that could get a lot more dangerous if the right move is made. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Jacobs Puts Packers On Edge As NFL Wait Continues
Josh Jacobs situation has taken another turn as the Packers wait for the NFLs next move. The running back is already back in the middle of a difficult legal and league process after missing six games on the commissioner-exempt list following his May arrest, and recently released police records have now added fresh allegations from three women involving physical and verbal abuse.
For Green Bay, the uncertainty is the real issue. Jacobs has said he believes in his legal defense and expects to stay on the field for the rest of the season, but the NFL investigation is still ongoing, leaving the team to monitor a case that could continue to hang over its backfield. If the league eventually acts, any suspension would likely be applied against the games he has already missed, which only adds another layer to a situation the Packers would rather not have lingering into the stretch run. [Read more 🡒]