The Philadelphia Eagles are continuing to lose defensive linemen in NFL free agency, with edge rusher Josh Sweat finding a new home with the Arizona Cardinals. Sweat has reportedly agreed to a four-year deal worth $76.4 million, with $41 million guaranteed. This move reunites Sweat with his former defensive coordinator in Philadelphia, Jonathan Gannon, who is now the head coach of the Cardinals. Gannon was in the role when Sweat had his best two-year performance, making this a logical move for both parties.
The Cardinals needed to improve their pass rush, and signing Sweat was a step in the right direction. Sweat is coming off one of his better seasons in Philadelphia, where he recorded eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, 41 combined tackles, and two passes defended over 16 games. He also had a standout performance in Super Bowl LIX, with 2.5 sacks and three quarterback hits against Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs in a 44-20 win. In his seven years with the Eagles, Sweat has amassed 43 sacks, 237 combined tackles, seven forced fumbles, and one pick-six in 104 career games.
Joining the Cardinals, Sweat will be part of a linebacking corps that includes Justin Jones, Baron Browning, and Zavn Collins. This move should bolster the Cardinals’ defense and give them a formidable pass rush for the upcoming season. The Eagles also lost defensive tackle Milton Williams to the New England Patriots on a four-year deal worth $104 million, with $63 million guaranteed. This continues a trend of Philadelphia losing key defensive players in free agency.
Overall, the Eagles are facing significant losses on their defensive line, with top players like Sweat and Williams leaving for other teams. These departures will present challenges for Philadelphia as they look to rebuild their defense and fill the gaps left by these departures. The Cardinals, on the other hand, are making moves to strengthen their defense by adding a player like Sweat, who has shown his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make big plays on the field.
In conclusion, the departure of Josh Sweat to the Arizona Cardinals marks another significant loss for the Philadelphia Eagles in NFL free agency. Sweat’s departure, along with that of Milton Williams to the New England Patriots, leaves the Eagles with gaps to fill on their defensive line. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are making moves to improve their defense by adding players like Sweat, who bring experience and playmaking ability to the team. The impact of these moves remains to be seen as both teams prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
