In the latest NFL trade rumors, the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals could reportedly agree to a player swap package deal before the 2026 season. The players involved in the trade are Jalen Carter and Josh Sweat, whom Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes are expendable. It sounds like a realistic deal, but it’d take time for it to come to fruition during the 2026 season. With the Eagles needing to see more from Carter, Philadelphia isn’t going to entertain any more additions, despite what Moton mentioned here:
“According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, the Eagles are “hesitant” to sign Carter to an extension. Philadelphia has a need on the edge with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. likely to compete for snaps opposite Jonathan Greenard. Hunt has made strides, but he has been a rotational player for two years,” he said.
Although the Eagles re-signed DT Jordan Davis to a three-year extension, it doesn’t mean the team won’t have the financial liberty to put Carter under a new deal. It’s still very early, and even though many have predicted his next contract, nobody knows what the future holds for him.
NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles, Cardinals Linked in Massive $21M Swap
What’s Next for Carter?
The Eagles will continue to monitor how he performs this upcoming campaign. Last season, the defensive tackle logged his lowest sacks in a single year (3) while posting 21 solo tackles. However, in his rookie year, it’s where he proved his worth the most. Other than character issues, his field of play could be why the Eagles are hesitant on giving him a new contract.
At the same time, they know Carter would probably excel elsewhere, which is why they aren’t listening to offers, just as the Cardinals are doing with Sweat just yet. Ultimately, for this trade to happen between the Eagles/Cardinals will be somewhere during the 2026 season. If the Eagles find themselves right before the trade deadline on the brink of missing the playoffs, of course, they’d trade Carter. The same can be said about Sweat, but since he’s reportedly “unhappy,” he will probably be moved before Week 1.
However, it’s expected that the Eagles will appear in the playoffs in 2027, so if Sweat is still available, anticipate GM Howie Roseman to move aggressively. For the sake of this article, let’s explore three other teams needing a veteran linebacker before the start of the 2026 campaign.
Potential Destinations for Sweat
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys would be a more logical destination for Sweat. Despite drafting Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence this year, the team needs a high-stakes, experienced veteran who can start Week 1. Although they traded for Rashan Gary and added Dee Winters for depth, there’s still an open starting spot for the Cardinals pass-rusher.
He isn’t the same player he once was, but Dallas would definitely find themselves in the wild-card if they acquire him.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens lost Dre’Mont Jones in free agency while deciding against bringing back veteran Kyle Van Noy. Despite signing Trey Hendrickson to an extension, Sweat would be an enormous defense, especially for head coach Jesse Minter’s first year. Between Teddye Buchanan and Tavius Robinson, there’s an opening there. The team took Zion Young in this year’s draft, but who says he’s ready for Week 1?
Baltimore would probably have one of the best defenses since the Ray Lewis era if this trade happened.
Los Angeles Chargers
With Khalil Mack entering probably his final NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of a high-stakes playmaker. Tuli Tuipulotu is solid, but can’t compensate for the production that Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman have been putting up. Sweat is the perfect solution for this defense that will soon say goodbye to Mack.
