The Chicago Bears missed their shot at Maxx Crosby.
But a new trade rumor suggests an even more realistic defensive weapon might be waiting—and it could completely transform Chicago’s pass rush.

Bears Could Pivot to Josh Sweat Trade After Missing Maxx Crosby Blockbuster

The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with fans expecting a major defensive splash.

For a moment, it looked like that splash might come in the form of All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby.

But the blockbuster trade never materialized.

Now a new opportunity could be emerging—and it might be exactly what the Bears need.

According to recent reports, Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat could become available via trade, potentially giving Chicago a second chance to land a game-changing defender.

The Trade Request That Sparked the Rumor

The speculation began during a recent episode of the PHNX Sports Cardinals podcast.

During the discussion, co-host Johnny Venerable revealed that Sweat had previously requested a trade after Arizona made a major coaching change.

“When Jonathan Gannon got fired, Josh Sweat asked to be traded,” Venerable said.

While it’s unclear whether Sweat still wants out, the situation has raised eyebrows across the league—especially for teams like the Bears that are searching for pass-rushing help.

If Arizona decides to reshape its roster, Sweat could quickly become one of the most intriguing defensive players on the trade market.

A Quietly Dominant Pass Rusher

Sweat may not generate the same headlines as some of the NFL’s biggest defensive stars, but his production tells a different story.

The 28-year-old edge rusher is coming off arguably the best season of his career.

In 2025, Sweat recorded:

30 total tackles
13 tackles for loss
12 sacks (career-high)
4 forced fumbles

His sack total ranked tied for eighth in the NFL, while his forced fumbles ranked second in the league.

For a player still in his prime, those numbers make him one of the most effective edge rushers available.

A Contract That Fits Chicago’s Plans

Another reason Sweat could appeal to the Bears is his contract.

He signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal with Arizona in 2025 that included $41 million guaranteed.

That deal breaks down to roughly $19.1 million per year—a relatively affordable price for a pass rusher producing at a Pro Bowl level.

Even better for Chicago, his 2026 base salary is just $9.78 million, with a total cap hit of about $16.4 million.

For a team that has emphasized financial flexibility this offseason, those numbers make Sweat a very manageable addition.

A Perfect Fit for Dennis Allen’s Defense

The Bears’ defensive system under coordinator Dennis Allen relies heavily on pressure generated from the defensive line.

Allen’s scheme typically features aggressive four-man fronts that depend on defensive ends winning one-on-one matchups against offensive tackles.

Sweat’s skill set fits that philosophy perfectly.

At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, he has the size and length to set the edge against the run while also consistently pressuring quarterbacks.

If Chicago were to acquire him, the team could pair him with Montez Sweat—creating an intimidating edge-rushing tandem.

No relation, but the pairing would instantly become one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the NFC.

What Would a Trade Cost?

Of course, acquiring a productive pass rusher rarely comes cheap.

Most projections suggest Arizona would likely demand at least a Day-2 draft pick—possibly a second- or third-round selection—to move Sweat.

For a Bears team that has remained relatively quiet in free agency, the investment might be worth it.

Chicago’s defense still needs more players capable of changing games, and Sweat has proven he can do exactly that.

A Second Chance for a Defensive Splash

Ryan Poles may not have landed the blockbuster pass rusher fans expected earlier this offseason.

But the opportunity to trade for Josh Sweat could still deliver the defensive upgrade Chicago has been waiting for.

And if the deal happens, the Bears’ pass rush might suddenly become one of the most feared in the conference.