Bengals linked to trade for $76.4M Super Bowl champion edge that makes no sense

The Cincinnati Bengals came into the 2026 NFL offseason with a very clear goal of improving the defensive side of the ball.

They did just that with a lot of roster moves, adding Dexter Lawrence in a blockbuster trade and adding a few other key veterans like Bryan Cook and Boye Mafe.

But there's always room for improvement. However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox linked the Bengals to a $76.4 million edge rusher from the Arizona Cardinals.

"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.

While Josh Sweat would be a nice addition for any defense, in the Bengals' case, this wouldn't actually make much sense.

Bengals linked to Josh Sweat in a move that wouldn't make sense

Cincinnati needed a bit more help at pass rusher this offseason, and they found a few upgrades, adding Mafe in free agency and drafting Cashius Howell in the second-round of the NFL Draft.

With both of those additions, along with Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, the Bengals have a decent amount invested in the edge rusher position already.

Even if this is a premium position, the Bengals don't have such a big need that they should spend a fortune on acquiring Sweat.

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Knox projected a 2027 fourth-round pick that, depending on statistical thresholds, could be upgraded to a third-rounder. That's likely underselling what Sweat would cost in a trade.

But, beyond the price tag to convince the Cardinals to give up on Sweat, the Bengals would also be on the hook for the remaining few years of his $76.4 million deal.

Add in Mafe and the rest of their pass rusher room, and it doesn't make much sense to spend so much on the position again in a trade for Sweat.

Sure, they lost Trey Hendrickson, but with Howell and Mafe, the Bengals have options worth giving a chance to in 2026. If they need to add more help at the trade deadline, they might not have to give up much to acquire help, whether it's Sweat or someone else.

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