Bears have an opportunity to rescue veteran from a losing team purgatory

Despite an easily perceived need at edge rusher, the Chicago Bears literally did nothing to add anyone noteworthy to the position group this offseason. Whether that was by intention or circumstance, head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are aligned in delivering a message about coaching up Austin Booker, Shemar Turner, etc.

Circumstances can, and often do, change, though. General manager Ryan Poles is surely keeping his eyes open, and if an edge rusher addition is needed at some point, he'll be ready to make a move.

Of course part of circumstances changing is who on other teams may be available. Poles revealed he was involved in talks to acquire Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, but the trade cost there presumably got too rich rather quickly.

As on-field offseason work gets going around the league, it's easy to read too much into players who are absent. Things are still voluntary in May, and sometimes the team is well aware that someone might not be around for everything before mandatory minicamp in June.

Bears could rescue veteran from losing team

As the Arizona Cardinals get things going under new head coach Mike LaFleur, presumed starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett has stayed away from offseason work as he seeks a pay raise. But another key player has also not been present at the OTAs, and his discontent seems well known.

Back in March, what was easy to simply dismiss as speculation Sweat had asked the Cardinals for a trade was quickly refuted. But Odegard reporting he has been hearing for "awhile" that the veteran edge rusher is not "particularly happy in AZ" suggests there's a chance a trade request actually happened.

Sweat has three years left on the four-year, $76.4 million deal he signed with the Cardinals in 2025, and his place on the edge rusher pay landscape has changed since he signed that contract. Apart from any potential dissatisfaction with his contract, coming off a 12-sack season, he may simply not want to be part of a team that is set to make a run at the No. 1 overall pick in next April's draft.

The structure of Sweat's contract does crack the door open for a trade. There is about $5.5 million tied up in signing and option bonus proration over the next four years (he has a void year in 2029), which would remain dead money with the Cardinals if they trade him.

Per Spotrac's trade machine, a team that trades for Sweat (presumably, before June 1) would take on a $12.65 million cap hit this year followed by an $18.1 million cap hit in 2027. The Bears would have to do some more contract restructuring to make room this year, with more maneuvering to come next spring as things stand right now.

Sweat's absence from the Cardinals' facility right now might end up being much ado about nothing as headlines are sought in May. But the situation would take a turn if he stays away from mandatory minicamp next month, since he can (and presumably would) be fined for being absent.

Even if Sweat shows up, the idea that he's unhappy and may push for a trade makes him a fresh, no-brainer trade target for any team that needs an edge rusher.

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Maybe trading for Sweat would cost too high a draft pick. Maybe taking on his contract is something the Bears would rather not do. But those kinds of things can be worked around, and even the current vague hint that Sweat is available should have Poles ready to make a call to Arizona.

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