NFL Top 100: Cardinals’ Josh Sweat sees jump in ranking

Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat landed at No. 78 in this year’s NFL Top 100.

He moved up 17 spots from last year’s ranking at No. 95.

No. 78 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026…@AZCardinals LB Josh Sweat! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/MpNTm5YFZ7

— NFL (@NFL) July 7, 2026

“His motor. He’s a guy that you know who is never going to quit,” Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young said. “That speeds everything up. That disrupts the rhythm. He’s going to keep working towards the ball. Really, really good player.”

Sweat lived up to his price tag last year with career highs in sacks (12) and forced fumbles (four) to go along with 42 pressures, 13 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits.

But with a head-coaching change and failed 2025 expectations, the pass rusher has been included in trade whispers this offseason.

He only added to that with his nonparticipation during mandatory minicamp, though head coach Mike LaFleur said the team was ramping up the pass rusher after his missed the entirety of voluntary offseason work up to that point.

What other Cardinals could crack the NFL Top 100?

After his monster season, tight end Trey McBride is bound to shoot up the ranks this year after coming in at No. 65 last year.

Wide receiver Michael Wilson, who is coming off a breakout year, and safety Budda Baker are two more names to watch.

Related

Trey McBride thought of exploring his options after Cardinals' initial contract offerCardinals' Paris Johnson Jr. giving back through Putts For A PurposeSchatz: Trading Josh Sweat a final offseason move Cardinals should makeJosh Sweat in attendance for Cardinals mandatory minicampMike LaFleur 'not worried about Josh Sweat at all' despite minicamp nonparticipationThe side to Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur that is flying under the radar