Chicago Bears Eye Josh Sweat to Boost Pass Rush

The Chicago Bears still lack a strong pass‑rushing presence. Last season, they finished near the bottom in both sack rate and run defense, placing 31st and 26th respectively. To address this weakness, the team has turned its attention to Josh Sweat, a proven edge rusher currently on the Arizona Cardinals roster. Sweat’s interest in moving from Arizona stems not from injury but dissatisfaction with his current situation. After the Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon, Sweat requested a trade and is now looking for more guaranteed money. He is entering the second year of a four‑year, $76. 4 million deal that carries an 18. 1‑million cap hit—ranking him among the top edge rushers in terms of salary.In 2024, Sweat recorded 12 sacks while playing all 17 games. His durability and consistent production make him an attractive option for a team needing immediate improvement on the defensive line. A trade would also give the Bears a player who has averaged between eight and nine sacks over his recent seasons in different defensive schemes. The main concern for the Bears is how to satisfy Sweat’s financial demands. He wants a larger guaranteed amount, and the Bears would need to restructure his contract to keep him content. However, analysts believe that the cost of acquiring him—likely a late‑round draft pick or a modest trade package—is justified by the boost he would bring to Chicago’s defense. Beyond salary, Sweat’s history with coach Jonathan Gannon adds another layer of complexity. He has thrived under Gannon in both the Eagles and Cardinals, so any trade would need to address his preference for that coaching style. If the Bears can navigate these factors, Sweat could become a cornerstone of their defensive lineup.