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Cardinals Josh Sweat outside top-20 in NFL edge rankings

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated May 26, 2025 9:42 PM ET

GLENDALE – The biggest pickup by the Arizona Cardinals this offseason was edge rusher Josh Sweat. General manager Monti Ossenfort offered the Pro Bowler a four-year $76.4 million contract this spring, after having an all-time performance in the Super Bowl. Sweat recorded 2.5 sacks with the Philadelphia Eagles during the Big Game to earn his first Vince Lombardi trophy.

The addition of Sweat will improve Arizona’s middling pass rush and push the defense to an elite level. However, despite a sensational year last year, PFF’s Ryan Smith has Sweat low in his 32 edge defenders rankings entering next season. Smith had the 28-year-old as the 25th-best edge in the NFL.

Smith on Sweat’s ranking:

“Sweat capped off a stellar seven-year run with the Eagles by recording 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl, then signed with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent in March. He showed improvement against the run in 2024, earning a 67.8 grade after posting a career-low 54.2 in 2023.”

In 2024, Sweat recorded eight sacks, nine tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, and 41 tackles. He has eclipsed over six sacks in the past five seasons, including 11 in 2022. A knock on Sweat is his ability to stop the run. However, Smith acknowledged that his run defense had a 13.6% grade increase.

Ossenfort signed Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson to help with the interior defensive line front to help stop the run. While containing the edge from opposing runners is important, Sweat will rely on his ability to get to the quarterback.

Notable names ahead of Sweat are New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter and Miami Dolphins Jaelan Phillips. Carter hasn’t taken a single snap on an NFL field and Phillips has gone back-to-back years playing less than nine games because of significant injuries ending his season.

Sweat will have the opportunity to be the star in his first year in the Valley, with heavy expectations surrounding the franchise next year. His 25th ranking could look disrespectful if Sweat continues his dominance, like in the Super Bowl last February.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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