While the New York Jets have done an excellent job of rebuilding their defense this offseason, through free agency, the NFL draft, and trades, Gang Green can still make some additional moves to strengthen the unit ahead of the 2026 season.

As training camp slowly approaches, the Jets, just like every team around the league, should be scouring the trade market and the remaining pool of free agents in search of players who can improve the roster. They accomplished this recently with the wise addition of wide receiver Tim Patrick.

Out in Arizona, another player who the Jets should absolutely be interested in could be hitting the trade block.

Josh Sweat’s current situation with the Cardinals

According to Arizona Cardinals insider Kyle Odegard, edge rusher Josh Sweat, who didn’t report to voluntary OTAs, “is not particularly happy in Arizona.”

While OTAs are voluntary, this is still an interesting situation to monitor, especially since the Cardinals are widely viewed as a rebuilding team.

After signing a four-year, $76 million contract with Arizona last offseason, Sweat proved his worth in 2025, logging a career-high 12,0 sacks (tied for eighth-most among all players), 47 total pressures, and four forced fumbles.

The former Philadelphia Eagle was also strong against the run, posting a 69.8 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus.

His contract currently holds a $16.3 million cap hit for the 2026 season; however, there is a potential out in 2027. If his contract ends up going all four years, though, he will count $23.6 million against the cap in 2027 and 2028, followed by a $5.5 million void year in 2029.

Sweat proved to be one of the league’s top edge rushers of the 2025 season, not just as a pass-rusher, but as an all-around player. He was one of just six edge rushers with 12.0+ sacks and a 65.0+ run defense grade at PFF.

That type of two-way ability is something the Jets lack at the position.

Will McDonald, the Jets’ 2023 first-round pick, has flashed immense pass-rush juice, logging 18.5 sacks and 103 total pressures over the last two seasons. However, three years into his NFL career, he continues to rank among the league’s worst run defenders off the edge. In 2025, his 41.6 run defense grade per PFF ranked 112th among 115 qualified edge rushers.

Looking at the Jets’ edge room beyond McDonald, it mostly features players who are similarly one-dimensional.

Free agent additions Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai are better known for their run defense, while rookie David Bailey, despite his elite pass-rushing upside, has questions against the run.

When it comes to scheme, Sweat would fit right in with the Jets. Glenn described the team’s expected front this year as “multiple,” not committing to a 4-3 or a 3-4 base and instead emphasizing variety between the two. Sweat has spent time in his career as both a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 defensive end, allowing him to smoothly transition between both roles in Glenn’s versatile defense.

It remains unknown if Sweat is truly on the trade block. If he doesn’t report to mandatory minicamp, it will become a more substantial storyline.

At the very least, the Jets should check in on his availability. Sweat would be a perfect fit to address the team’s needs on the edge.