Detroit needs a strong pass rusher to complement Aidan Hutchinson, and Josh Sweat has made himself a prime candidate for that role.
Before Super Bowl LIX, Sweat was already among the notable free agents from the Eagles and Chiefs that the Lions could have considered. But after his standout performance on the game’s biggest stage, his value skyrocketed.
While quarterbacks usually dominate MVP discussions, and Jalen Hurts was a deserving recipient, Sweat’s impact on defense was undeniable. He recorded 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and six pressures, per Next Gen Stats, putting himself in the conversation as one of the game’s most dominant defensive players.
His stellar Super Bowl showing not only reinforced his reputation but also significantly boosted his market value. Last offseason, he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Philadelphia, effectively betting on himself. His regular season numbers—eight sacks and 54 pressures (per Pro Football Focus)—already made him a strong free-agent candidate, but his championship performance cemented him as one of the top edge rushers available this offseason.
The Big Question: How Much Will Sweat Cost?
One of the biggest factors in Sweat’s free agency is his potential contract value. Spotrac projects his next deal at approximately $let 18.8 million per year over three seasons, totaling around $56.46 million. While he may not have the same statistical dominance as the league’s elite pass rushers, his ability to contribute as a run defender, combined with the lack of premier edge rushers on the market, only raises his appeal.
At 28 years old by late March, this could be Sweat’s best opportunity for a major payday. Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans are logical fits, but any franchise with both cap space and a need for pass-rushing help—like the Lions—should consider him a high-priority target.
Sweat recently hired agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha, signaling his intent to maximize his earnings. That said, while money is important, he has emphasized that finding the right situation also matters.
“Money’s important, sure, but I want to be in the right situation,” Sweat told Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I don’t know what it looks like for me now, but I’m happy.”
Aside from a potential return to the Eagles, Detroit would offer Sweat a chance to play for a contending team in the NFC. While the Lions may face stiff competition in signing him, that doesn’t mean they should shy away from making a serious push.
