We’re thrilled to announce that Josh Sweat has officially joined the Arizona Cardinals organization! He signed a four-year deal with a $76.4 million overall value that carried an eye-popping $41 million in guarantees. The moment the 28-year-old defensive end first walked into the Cardinals’ facility, he discovered Coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis salivating for him. This long-awaited homecoming continues an inspiring new chapter in Sweat’s career. He’s taking on the role as the focal point of a defensive transformation in Arizona.
Sweat has a significant history with both Gannon and Rallis, going back to his and their time with the Philadelphia Eagles. In that period, he flourished with their direction for an incredible two-year period. During this time, Sweat racked up 18.5 sacks, making himself a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He credits a large chunk of his success to the freedom they never allowed him as a playmaker within the defensive shape.
“The scheme and stuff, you can play fast in it,” Sweat stated, highlighting his enthusiasm for re-engaging with Gannon’s system. Yet he remarked that the current system is almost identical in nature to what he went through previously. That being said, he added that the language has shifted.
Sweat looks forward to bringing this new mantle to life. He’s hopefully going to sharpen those leadership skills further in the Cardinals’ locker room and on the field as his career goes on. His fourth and final season with the team, last year, he stepped into a leadership role. Today, he wants to leverage the great lessons he learned from veterans during his rookie year in Philadelphia.
I mean, I believe in talking to players, there’s a different kind of education and education process that happens organically, honestly, truthfully, Gannon remarked, acknowledging Sweat’s potential as a leader. He added that Sweat can serve as a vital link between coaches and players: So, I had always described him as that kind of translator.
Nick Rallis, who served as Sweat’s linebackers coach in Philadelphia, expressed admiration for Sweat’s capabilities. He remembered the preparation of watching game film. He noted he was most impressed by his stoutness vs the run and in being able to set an edge.
“You can tell he kind of got a little bit more on his plate,” Sweat noted, referring to his responsibilities as he transitions into this leadership role. This change is a reflection of his maturation as a player. It also underscores the faith that Gannon and Rallis have in him.
The good news is, as Gannon pointed out, Sweat still has the versatility to rush the passer and drop back into coverage. “If you have to get something done and you can get it done playing with a different technique, or a different alignment or a different eye progression than what I say to do, OK,” he emphasized, underscoring the adaptability expected of players within the system.
As his new Arizona Cardinals teammates get ready for the 2023 season, Sweat couldn’t be happier to rejoin Rallis and Gannon. Their former joint work in Philadelphia has set a firm groundwork for their new joint project in Arizona. Gannon touted that their scheme will continue through the 2025 season. With this decision, Louis Riddick is just furthering their commitment to rebuilding the Cardinals’ defense.
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