The Atlanta Falcons put years of strugglesbehind them, rushing the passer in the 2025 season and finishing with 57.0 sacks, trailing only the Denver Broncos in this category. Fast forward to this year's training camp, and the franchise has lost Jalon Walker for the entire season due to injury and James Pearce Jr. to a suspension that will have the second-year defender missing nearly half the season. This is on top of losing Arnold Ebiketie and Leonard Floyd in free agency, two important edge-rushing pieces from the team's rotation.
No question, there is every reason for the team to consider making a further addition by inviting the front office to keep an eye on Josh Sweat. The veteran pass rusher has been a source of trade speculation throughout the last few months after the Arizona Cardinals opted to fire former head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Sweat followed the coach from Philadelphia, where the duo won a Super Bowl with the pass rusher in a starring role under the defensive coordinator. With the Cardinals clearly being stuck in a tough division and lacking hopes of contention, there is every reason to believe the team could consider a trade of Sweat either ahead of the 2026 season or after a tough start to the year.
Falcons Should Keep a Close Eye on Veteran Pass Rusher Josh Sweat Ahead of 2026 Season
While Atlanta isn't a top contender, they are playing in a weak division and appear to be embracing hopes of contention. Extensions for Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Matthew Bergeron suggest that Matt Ryan's front office isn't interested in enduring a rebuilding season. This mindset leaves a chance of looking at a blockbuster trade, like adding Sweat to answer a clear weakness.
Having the veteran rostered would give the defense a real chance to be productive and support a quarterback situation that remains unclear. Without Sweat, you're looking at a very thin pass-rushing group that is going to demand an incredibly high level of creativity from defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
The biggest question mark is whether or not Atlanta is willing to spend future draft picks, understanding the possible 2027 need at quarterback. Still, if you're trying to have a winning season and contend in a wide-open NFC South, the Falcons should at least check in on Sweat, checking whether or not the franchise is open to moving on from a pass rusher who would instantly become Atlanta's best option.
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