Since the Philadelphia Eagles traded away wide receiver A.J. Brown, it now appears the focus is on whether they will do the same to their rising-star defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
During the offseason, the Eagles picked up Carter's fifth-year option on his rookie contract, leaving the possibility of an t extension coming soon. The problem is that reports have surfaced that the Eagles are hesitant to give it to Carter because of his injuries last year and character concerns, to the point that every outlet is pushing for him to be traded. Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton might have a trade idea involving Carter: send him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for edge rusher Josh Sweat.
"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.
The Eagles can upgrade their pass rush by bringing back Sweat, who played for the team between 2018 and 2024. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the 29-year-old edge-rusher has "let it be known" that he's not happy in Arizona. The Cardinals can swap him and draft capital for Carter, who's younger and can contribute to the pass rush on the interior of the defensive line."
Breaking down this no-so crazy Jalen Carter-Josh Sweat trade for the Eagles
Let's start by being a bunch of Debbie Downers: a trade like this isn't going to happen. It looks interesting on paper, but the Eagles are unlikely to trade a once-in-a-generation defensive tackle for an edge rusher they let walk in free agency last offseason.
Just for fun, let's go ahead and talk about it.
Moving Carter off the field would help save the team money that needs to be allocated elsewhere, such as to Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the next year or two. It would also open up the possibility of keeping defensive tackle Moro Ojomo and giving him the contract extension instead, while also being a cheaper option for Jordan Davis' running mate.
Sweat is coming off a career season with the Cardinals, finishing with 12 sacks. He already knows the Eagles' defensive scheme and played well under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio back in 2024. Teaming Sweat up with Jonathan Greenard would make that edge rusher room, with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr., very dangerous and potentially the best the team has had in a long time.
Read more: Zack Baun's success story adds another chapter with new acknowledgement
This deal would probably work well for both teams, more so the Eagles since they have a better roster than the Cardinals, but still give both teams what they need. The Eagles get another pass rusher to ensure they don't miss out on recording sacks again, and the Cardinals continue to get younger. Philly fans may not love the trade idea, but there have been far worse ones.
Add us as a preferred source on Google