Falcons Eye Josh Sweat to Fix Pass Rush Woes, But Can They Afford Him?
The Atlanta Falcons’ defensive struggles in 2025 were glaring, with no player ranking in the top 20 at their position. Their inability to pressure the quarterback—finishing second-to-last in sacks with just 31—was a major factor in their 23rd-place finish in both total defense and scoring. The poor performance ultimately led to the firing of first-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, now replaced by Jeff Ulbrich.
With head coach Raheem Morris, a former defensive coordinator, at the helm, the Falcons are expected to prioritize pass-rushing help this offseason. One name generating buzz as a potential target? Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat.
Why Sweat Fits Atlanta’s Needs
Sweat, a Super Bowl 59 champion, has been a consistent force for the Eagles, recording 33 sacks over the last four seasons. His dominant performance in the Super Bowl—three sacks and seven pressures against the Chiefs—only solidified his reputation as a premier pass rusher.
NFL analyst Marcus Mosher sees Sweat as a top free-agent target for the Falcons, predicting a high-demand market for his services.
“Sweat has the size, length, athleticism, and production of a No. 1 EDGE rusher,” Mosher wrote. “Expect him to earn a deal worth more than $20 million per season, with a bidding war likely driving the price even higher.”
Can the Falcons Afford Him?
While Sweat would be an ideal addition, Atlanta faces a major financial hurdle. The team currently sits $12.7 million over the salary cap, per ESPN, making a high-priced free agent signing difficult without significant roster moves.
For the Falcons to land Sweat, they would need to clear cap space—likely through contract restructures, player cuts, or other creative financial maneuvers. If they can make it work, adding a proven pass rusher like Sweat could be the key to finally fixing their long-standing defensive woes.
