Packers GM Dismisses Sweat Trade Rumors as Fabricated
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst flatly denied any trade talks with the Arizona Cardinals regarding defensive end Josh Sweat, saying someone is making things up. Sweat, who had a career-high 12 sacks in 2025, is under contract with Arizona through 2028. The Packers, thin at edge rusher with Micah Parsons on the PUP list, kept only four edge defenders on their initial 53-man roster.
Gutekunst’s denial comes amid speculation that the Packers would reunite Sweat with defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who coached him in both Philadelphia and Arizona. Sweat posted a career-best 12 sacks in 2025 and remains under contract with the Cardinals through 2028, making any trade a significant commitment.
Green Bay’s edge-rushing depth is notably thin, with only four players on the initial 53-man roster: Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, Brenton Cox Jr., and rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton. Star Micah Parsons begins the season on the PUP list, leaving the unit short of proven production as the 2026 campaign approaches.
This story may affect Packers fans and fantasy football managers who track defensive depth, as the team’s edge rush could be weakened early in the season without Parsons. It could also influence trade speculation across the league, as teams with surplus pass rushers may see increased interest. The denial may reassure Cardinals supporters that their defensive cornerstone is staying put, while Packers followers may temper expectations about a quick fix.