Any discussion about the Patriots getting involved in trades this offseason has focused almost exclusively on AJ Brown, and no one else, despite the number of intriguing names that have been or could be available.
Now that they have acquired the receiver, it's time to shift their focus to other players who would fill in the gaps on the roster, and most would say the biggest hole remaining is at pass rusher. That's what had them connected to Maxx Crosby before his failed trade to the Ravens, and now has them on the radar for a player like Kayvon Thibodeaux or even Josh Sweat.
NFL insider Dan Graziano discussed Sweat's absence from Cardinals' OTAs this offseason, stating he is unhappy in Arizona and wants a trade.
He believes the Patriots are among the few teams that would make the most sense, and, considering the contract they'd take on and the potential draft capital they'd need to send to get a deal done, it would be the next slam-dunk move for Eliot Wolf.
He might not be the biggest name along the likes of Crosby or Myles Garrett, but Sweat has been a consistent threat on defense, even recording 12 sacks in his first season with the Cardinals last year, and would be a massive addition for the Patriots to gain traction on their way back to another Super Bowl run.
The Patriots have every reason to call the Cardinals about their next big-time trade
Since trading Matthew Judon in 2024, the Patriots have lacked a legitimate threat on their defensive line to get to opposing quarterbacks. It led them to sign players like Milton Williams last year and Dre'Mont Jones this offseason, but neither is a full-time pass rusher, and the lack of presence was apparent in the biggest games of the 2025 season.
At this point, it looks like the Patriots will need to trade for the caliber of player they need, bringing them into the conversation for Sweat.
Despite conflicting rumors about whether the Cardinals are willing to trade him, the Patriots have every reason to inquire about his availability and make an offer. He might be the missing piece to their championship-caliber roster, and that alone is a reason to get on the phone.
He clearly wants out, according to NFL insiders, and the Patriots are a team that players want to go to again, so it should be easy to get the Cardinals to take a deal.
The defense is already an impressive group, as we saw during their historic run last year, and adding a player like Sweat ensures they'll remain one of the most threatening groups in the league, which is something they need going into a very difficult schedule.
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