Report Links Bengals to $76.4M Super Bowl Champion Despite Having Answers on Roster
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow are pushing hard for a Super Bowl run in 2026, especially after adding Dexter Lawrence (DT), Bryan Cook (S), and Boye Mafe (LB) this offseason.
But reports state that the Bengals are not done just yet and are looking for ways to upgrade their roster. According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, Cincinnati is being connected to edge rusher Josh Sweat.
"Since the Bengals are willing to attack the 2026 season aggressively, they should also take a long look at [Josh] Sweat if he becomes available," Knox writes.
Sweat is a highly valued star edge rusher from the Arizona Cardinals who is currently playing under a four-year $76.4 million contract.
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Adding Sweat would give any defense a massive boost. Sporting News questions the fit following the recent acquisition of Boye Mafe.
However, it's important to remember that the Bengals also lost their star defender, Trey Hendrickson, to their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens.
Cincinnati drastically needs help getting to opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Myles Murphy led the Bengals with a low total of just 5.5 sacks, and the entire defense managed only 34 sacks all year. While Mafe stands with two sacks.
By comparison, Sweat single-handedly racked up 12 sacks in 2025, more than Murphy and Mafe combined. Sweat would provide a significant upgrade to the rotation.
The Bengals Might Have To Beat Cowboys To Get Josh Sweat
Along with the Cincinnati Bengals, reports suggest that the Dallas Cowboys might also be interested in trading for pass rusher Josh Sweat.
“While Gary, Houston, and the rookies may make for a functional edge rotation, the Cowboys shouldn't leave anything to chance. With an offense that ranked second overall in 2025, they're poised to make a run now, but their opportunities could be dwindling,” Kristopher Knox of BR wrote.
The Cowboys aren't the only ones looking at him, though. Several other NFL teams are also interested in Sweat, including the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, and his current team, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Because of the Bengals' tight budget, it only makes sense for them to pursue Sweat if his price tag is low.
The Bengals must ensure any potential deal aligns with their salary cap constraints.
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Written by
Aaindri Thakuri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey