Cardinals are on the brink of a forced trade that the Patriots should be all over

June 1 is circled on the Patriots’ calendar due to a presumed pending trade for wide receiver AJ Brown. Regardless of that outcome, teams are expected to trade players with less negative cap impact after June 2, prompting New England to inquire about potential movers. The Patriots struggled with their pass rush in 2025 and added Dre’Mont Jones after not re-signing K’Lavon Chaisson. Although Gabe Jacas was drafted, relying on a rookie may be risky, making a veteran like Josh Sweat appealing. Sweat reportedly is unhappy with his role with the Cardinals and is coming off a 12-sack season. He signed a four-year, $76.4 million contract with $41 million guaranteed, and Cardinals dysfunction may make a trade more likely if a return is available.

"The 29-year-old longtime Eagles defender signed a four-year contract with Arizona last offseason worth $76.4 million with $41 million guaranteed. It was a massive payday for the veteran, and he had earned every penny. But given the dysfunction with the Cardinals, it's unsurprising he's not loving his time there so far. Despite putting together an impressive first year with the new team, Sweat might be looking for a way out, and although his contract isn't exactly something the Patriots will likely want to take on, they are considered a trade partner with Arizona, given their need on the defensive line."

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