Josh Sweat is an American football linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals as of March 2025. His football journey began at Oscar F. Smith High School, where he emerged as ESPN's top-rated prospect in the country during his senior year. Despite needing reconstructive surgery, Sweat graduated early in December 2014 to pursue his collegiate career. Sweat chose Florida State over Virginia Tech, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon. His freshman year showed promise with 41 total tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception across 13 games. In his sophomore year, he recorded 41 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks in 12 games.
Sweat's NFL career began in Philly after the Eagles selected him as the 130th pick in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Sweat secured his first Pro Bowl nomination as an alternate after Nick Bosa got injured during the 2021 NFL season. During his 2022 NFL campaign, Sweat achieved significant statistical success, tallying 48 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks (all three career highs). With Sweat's career-best numbers in the 2024-25 playoffs (2.5 sacks and 3 tackles for loss), the Eagles clinched their 2nd-ever Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. He ended up with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2025 after becoming a free agent post-2024 season.
Josh Sweat Contract Breakdown
Josh Sweat signed his 4-year contract worth $76.4 million with the Arizona Cardinals on March 10, 2025. The contract also has a potential out after the 2026 season (via Spotrac).
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 4 yr(s) / $76,400,000 | $18,500,000 | $19,100,000 | $38,000,000 | $38,000,000 |
The details of the contract are provided below:
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Proration | Roster/GM Bonus | Option Proration | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2025 | $2,500,000 | $3,700,000 | $1,000,000 | $7,300,000 | $38,000,000 | $22,100,000 | |
| 2026 | $9,780,000 | $3,700,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,805,000 | $16,385,000 | $31,800,000 | $18,100,000 |
| 2027 | $17,000,000 | $3,700,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,805,000 | $23,605,000 | $16,515,000 | $18,100,000 |
| 2028 | $17,000,000 | $3,700,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,805,000 | $23,605,000 | $11,010,000 | $18,100,000 |
| 2029 | $3,700,000 | $1,805,000 | $5,505,000 | $5,505,000 |
What are the terms of Josh Sweat's Contract?
Sweat’s deal included an $18.5 million signing bonus and guaranteed him $38 million at the time of signing. His signing proration, which is $3.7 million over five years, is also spread from 2025 to 2029. From 2026 onwards until 2029, he will receive an option proration of $1.8 million and a Roster/GM bonus of $1 million from 2025 to 2028 (via Spotrac).
His contract includes other terms, as per Spotrac, including:
- 2026 Option Bonus: $7.22M (guaranteed, must be exercised by the 10th league day of 2026)
- $3M of 2027 salary guaranteed for injury only
- Per Game Active Bonus: $58,823 ($1M)
- 2029 year automatically voids 25 days before the 2029 league year
Josh Sweat Salary
In 2025, Sweat will earn a base salary of $2.5 million. The contract amounts for 2025 to carry a cap hit of $7.3 million and a dead cap value of $38 million. As per the terms of Josh Sweat’s contract, he has an average annual salary of $19.1 million (via Spotrac).
How much does Josh Sweat make per minute?
If Josh Sweat's contract worth $76.4 million over 4 years is broken down to a per-minute earning, then Sweat makes around $34.4 per minute.
How much of Josh Sweat’s Contract is guaranteed?
Josh Sweat’s deal guarantees him $38 million out of the whole $76.4 million mentioned in his contract (via Spotrac).
Josh Sweat Career Earnings
As of March 2025, Josh Sweat has amassed $39.79 million in his career (via Spotrac).
Josh Sweat Contract History
Sweat has signed only three contracts before signing his 4-year mega extension in 2025.
| Year | Team | Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | GTD at Sign | Total GTD |
| 2024 - 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | 1 yr(s) / $10,000,000 | $8,375,000 | $10,000,000 | $9,500,000 | $9,500,000 |
| 2021 - 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | 3 yr(s) / $40,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $13,333,333 | $14,920,000 | $26,900,000 |
| 2018 - 2021 | Philadelphia Eagles | 4 yr(s) / $3,057,591 | $597,591 | $764,398 | $597,591 | $597,591 |
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FAQs on Josh Sweat
A. Josh Sweat plays for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL, as of March 2025.
A. Yes. Josh Sweat won a Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles.
A. Josh Sweat went to Oscar F. Smith High School.
A. Josh Sweat plays as a linebacker.
