Jets could supercharge defense with Josh Sweat trade amid latest rumors

The New York Jets have completely remade their pass rush room after ranking 31st in sacks last season. Not only did they use the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on David Bailey, but they traded away Jermaine Johnson II and signed both Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare in free agency.

Even though the Jets may be mostly set as far as roster building, their oodles of cap space give them the flexibility to pull off some big trades if they want to. The Arizona Cardinals could make for an interesting trade partner after some frustrations from pass rusher Josh Sweat have started bubbling

Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard reported that Sweat is unhappy with the Cardinals and is not at voluntary OTAs. Considering their poor record and the fact that Jonathan Gannon, his former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, was fired, it's clear to see why he is so perturbed.

The Jets are one of the few teams in the league that could use another star defensive lineman, have some tradable draft picks, and the cap space to absorb his contract. Darren Mougey's trade for Jowon Briggs and Harrison Phillips suggests he's always looking for moves at this point in the offseason.

Jets should consider Josh Sweat trade amid frustration with Cardinals

It seems like the Jets would need to admit this is the end for Will McDonald if they pull this trade off. If not a straight-up one-for-one deal (which may be too rich for the Jets), New York can at least send McDonald away while adding someone on a contract that would be similar to what McDonald might ask for in terms of average annual value at $19 million.

Sweat, who tallied a career-high 12 sacks last season and 55 throughout his career, is not only a whirling dervish on the outside, but he would immediately be the best run-defending edge rusher on the Jets roster.

Sweat and Bailey as a starting edge rusher tandem not only would give the Jets some serious pass rush juice, but the duo's complementary skillsets would be even tougher for opposing defenses to corral. With Ossai and Enagbare in the mix as well, the sky could very well be the limit for this team.

Mougey and Aaron Glenn seem to have decided the best way forward is to make the roster as good as possible before adding their long-term quarterback next year. Adding Sweat helps further that end, as the defensive line could go from good to great.

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