Full Breakdown
Packers GM Rejects Josh Sweat Trade Talk
9/2/2026, 2:10:13 AM
Core Event
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst emphatically denied any trade discussions with the Arizona Cardinals concerning veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gutekunst said the rumor “never happened” and that “someone is making stuff up.” The Packers have not pursued a deal despite speculation linking the two clubs.
Background & Context
The speculation stemmed from three factors. First, Sweat spent four seasons under defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon—initially with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the Cardinals—before Gannon was hired by Green Bay as defensive coordinator in February. Second, All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons will begin the 2026 season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list after ACL and meniscus surgery, creating a perceived need for a veteran edge presence. Third, joint practices between the Packers and Cardinals in Green Bay during the preseason heightened media attention.
Data & Statistics
- Josh Sweat recorded a career-high 12 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 17 quarterback hits and four forced fumbles in the 2025 season.
- He is under contract with Arizona through the 2028 season after signing a four-year, $76.4 million deal in March 2025. The 2026 salary would be a little over $10 million, with non-guaranteed salaries of $18.1 million each in 2027 and 2028.
- Green Bay’s active edge-rusher roster for the start of the season includes Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton; practice-squad depth is provided by Nyjalik Kelly and veteran Arron Mosby.
- The Packers recorded 36 sacks as a unit in 2025, a total that fell after trading Rashan Gary to Dallas in the offseason.
Official Statements & Responses
- Brian Gutekunst (Packers GM) reiterated that no conversation about Sweat occurred with the Cardinals and expressed confidence in the existing edge-rusher group.
- Adam Schefter (NFL reporter) confirmed that teams reaching out to Arizona have been told the Cardinals are not trading Sweat.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No one from our organization has had a conversation about Josh Sweat with anyone at Arizona. That's coming out of thin air, someone is making stuff up, because that never happened,” — Brian Gutekunst, sweat general manager
- “We have no interest in trading Josh. We’re excited to have him,” — Monti Ossenfort, arizona general manager
- “I know there have been teams that have reached out to them, and I know they’ve been told they’re not trading him,” — Adam Schefter
- “No one from our organization has had a conversation about Josh with anybody from Arizona,” — Brian Gutekunst, sweat general manager
What’s Next
The Packers open the regular season with their first game against the Minnesota Vikings and will rely on their young edge-rusher group while Parsons remains on the PUP list. Parsons’ earliest projected return is in Week 5, with a more realistic target of Week 6. Whether Green Bay revisits the Sweat option before the trade deadline remains uncertain.
