The Chicago Bears could badly use reinforcement at the edge rusher position as Montez Sweat remains the only known performer. Speculation has pointed to Maxx Crosby and Josh Sweat as potential answers, with both players being a part of trade rumors throughout the offseason and leading into training camp. The most sensical move would be adding Josh Sweat as the Arizona Cardinals have to be realizing in training camp that the veteran defender no longer fits the Cardinals timeline of expected contention.
With this in mind, let's look at a potential trade that would help brighten Arizona's future while giving the Bears an established pass rusher they are obviously missing. As impressive as Austin Booker has looked early in camp, there is no denying that Chicago should jump at the chance to add a more established option at the position.
An early day two pick seems fitting compensation when you look at the remainder of Sweat's deal. The veteran has a $23.6 million cap hit in the final two years of his deal, coming in the 2027 and 2028 seasons. It is a lofty price for a player who is a great pass rusher, but on a deal that unquestionably is paying him at the top of his potential market.
With this in mind, a day two pick and a late round selection should be enough to get the deal done. Arizona adds to their future while the Bears make an undeniable push to close the gap with the Los Angeles Rams, who remain clear Super Bowl favorites out of the NFC.
Bears Shouldn't Hesitate to Chase After Accomplished Pass Rusher Josh Sweat
Sweat had 12.0 sacks in the 2025 season, a year after helping fuel the Philadelphia Eagles on an impressive Super Bowl run. There is already a resume that proves the current Cardinal is more than capable of living up to postseason expectations and would likely benefit from being put opposite of Montez Sweat. Both players would be able to have a clearer path to the quarterback with an opposing offensive line having a more difficult time utilizing help on Chicago's best pass-rushing option.
With this in mind, there should be zero hesitation as the Bears continue to move closer to the 2026 season. As exciting as the team's current core might be, there is a lot of pressure on Booker to emerge as a consistent pass rushing option.
It makes more sense to bring in Sweat and push Booker down a spot on the depth chart, allowing the young defender to serve in a rotational role while Chicago enjoyed one of the best edge rushing duos in the league.
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