​Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat has compiled 55 total sacks over an eight-year NFL career. The Chicago Bears may not have to wait much longer to add some defensive line help. On July 9, newly acquired Fox 32 News reporter Devan Kaney made her debut with the team, and in introducing herself she offered a hint about a potential reunion with a star from her former squad. Kaney has spent the last few seasons covering the Eagles as a WIP sideline reporter since 2022; after a surprising April departure, she briefly joined Fox 29 Philly before landing in Chicago for the foreseeable future. She began her appearance by saying, “I’m so excited to be here; I’m so excited to cover such an incredible organization and franchise in the Chicago Bears.” As the segment progressed and the Fox 32 set displayed her past work, one photo captured her interviewing linebacker Josh Sweat after his Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. She promptly responded, “I believe this is a picture of me and potential future Chicago Bear Josh Sweat.” While it’s unlikely Kaney has any definitive insider information on her first day, she and many in Chicago media are aware that the Bears are pursuing impact edge rush help.
For months, the Bears have been expected to bolster their edge presence. They recorded only 35 sacks last season, and Pro Football Focus ranked their pass rush as the eighth-worst in the league. Although rumors linked the Bears to players like Maxx Crosby and even Myles Garrett, those scenarios do not appear to be progressing. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have publicly expressed confidence in Chicago’s current defensive line room, which remains largely intact from last season. In particular, third-year defensive end Austin Booker is seen as a potential breakout candidate to watch.
Nevertheless, the value of a strong pass rush in the postseason cannot be overstated. Consider how the Seattle Seahawks’ six-sack performance in Super Bowl LX influenced MVP runner-up Drake Maye. Josh Sweat’s production stands out in this context, underscoring why Chicago could be tempted to pursue him.
According to Arizona Cardinals insider Kyle Ordgard, Sweat was reportedly unhappy with the team in May, though specifics were not disclosed. While the Cardinals have shown little indication they intend to part ways with their Pro Bowl pass rusher, a marquee trade remains conceivable if a team believes Sweat’s talent justifies a bold move. Sweat, who is 29 years old and recently posted a career-high 12-sack season, would present a compelling target for a pass-rush-starved Bears squad.
Sports Illustrated’s Mike Moraitis suggested a potential route: Chicago could pursue Sweat by offering a 2027 third-round pick plus a 2028 sixth-round selection in exchange. While such an arrangement would represent a significant investment, it could be viewed as a strategic move by the Bears to secure a proven edge rusher who could accelerate their push for a stronger defense and deeper playoff run. In the end, Chicago’s front office faces a delicate balance between whether Sweat’s proven production justifies a sizable draft-and-salary cost and whether the team’s current investments align with its long-term rebuilding plan. If a deal materializes, Sweat could become a central figure in the Bears’ efforts to reestablish a formidable defense and restore a sense of stability to a once-dominant unit.