Josh Sweat's Productivity Plunge: What Went Wrong?

Arizona Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat participated in practice on Monday, August 25, 2026, for the first time since being removed from the active/physically unable to perform list. This return comes after an offseason filled with trade speculation and absence from team activities. Sweat, now 29, was notably conservative with his left knee throughout the latter part of the 2025 season.

However, a closer examination of the 2025 season reveals a significant drop in Sweat's performance during the final eight games. In the first nine games, he was consistently productive, averaging 37.2 snaps and recording 8.0 sacks. This contrasted sharply with the final stretch, where his snap count decreased, and he managed only 4.0 sacks across the last eight games.

The Cardinals experienced an eight-game losing streak during this period, with their defense struggling significantly. While other player absences contributed, Sweat's diminished impact in crucial late-season games cannot be overlooked. His substantial salary cap charge of $16.385 million for the 2026 season necessitates a high level of performance to justify his contract.

Sweat's future with the Cardinals beyond 2026 remains uncertain, as his contract has no guaranteed money remaining in 2027 and 2028, with significant cap hits projected for those years. His participation in practice marks a potential turning point as the team looks to rebound.