Packers Rumors Take Disappointing Turn With Latest Prediction

The Green Bay Packers have undergone significant changes along their defensive front, parting ways with standout Pro Bowl outside linebacker Rashan Gary, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. They also lost another promising edge defender, Kingsley Enagbare, who signed with the New York Jets during free agency.

These moves have created a noticeable gap in the team’s pass-rush capabilities heading into the new season.

Even with the addition of fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton, the Packers’ outside linebacker unit remains full of uncertainty. Questions persist about how effectively the group can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks without their former veteran leaders. The transition marks a pivotal moment for Green Bay’s defensive identity.

In the midst of this roster overhaul, former first-round selection Lukas Van Ness is set to enter the campaign as a full-time starter for the first time since being drafted in 2023. While Van Ness showed encouraging signs in his most recent season, many observers wonder if he can consistently anchor the edge for a franchise with serious playoff ambitions. His development will be central to the team’s success on defense.

Given these circumstances, speculation has grown that the Packers might pursue an experienced veteran to bolster their pass rush. One name that has surfaced prominently is Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl edge rusher Josh Sweat, who delivered a career-high 12 sacks during the previous year. With Arizona appearing to be in rebuild mode, rumors of a potential deal between the two teams circulated earlier, and some accounts indicated that discussions had taken place.

Although those reports were ultimately dismissed at the time, the idea of Sweat joining Green Bay continues to be viewed as a plausible scenario. The Cardinals may look to move him if their season does not unfold as hoped, particularly around the trade deadline. This ongoing chatter keeps the possibility alive for several contending teams.

However, recent analysis suggests that if Sweat becomes available, he may not land in Green Bay after all. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton, in a piece published on Thursday, June 18, outlined why another NFC North rival could be better positioned to acquire the veteran defender.

“ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Sweat was ‘letting it be known’ that he’s unhappy in Arizona…The Cardinals will receive calls if other teams believe Sweat remains discontent,” Moton wrote.

Moton further explained the appeal for one particular franchise, noting their prior interest in similar talent.

“The Chicago Bears would be a likely suitor for Sweat. General manager Ryan Pace confirmed (h/t ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) that he showed interest in edge-rusher Maxx Crosby before the Las Vegas Raiders traded him to the Baltimore Ravens, who backed out of the deal.”

The Bears, having missed out on All-Pro Maxx Crosby due to salary cap constraints, could pivot toward Sweat as a more affordable alternative. With roughly $9.8 million in guaranteed money remaining on his current contract, Sweat represents a realistic target compared to higher-priced options.

Meanwhile, the broader landscape of elite edge rushers features its own challenges. All-Pro Micah Parsons is expected to miss the opening month of the 2026 season as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained in December against the Denver Broncos. This development could influence how teams approach their pass-rush acquisitions throughout the year.

For the Packers, additional depth comes from players like Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and Collin Oliver. While these young prospects bring talent and potential, they lack meaningful NFL game experience. The group will rely heavily on growth and opportunity to contribute.

Green Bay has long embraced a strategy of investing in youth and development, an approach that has paid dividends in various positions over the years.

Still, if Sweat remains productive early in the season and becomes available at a fair cost, surrendering a future Day 3 draft pick in 2027 might provide the veteran stability the defense needs—assuming the Bears do not move first.