ESPN ranks the Buffalo Bills as having the fourth-best roster in the NFL entering 2026. But if you ask people around the league, one concern continues to surface: Who is the guy? On offense that question is easy. Josh Allen is one of the league’s elite superstars. On defense, however, the question carries far more weight, and it may be the biggest concern surrounding a team with continued Super Bowl aspirations.
NFL insider Jason La Canfora recently reported that multiple league executives believe
Buffalo still lacks the dominant edge rusher capable of consistently taking over games when it matters most. His proposed solution? Make a run at Arizona Cardinals defensive end Josh Sweat.
Speaking with an anonymous NFL general manager, La Canfora shared a blunt assessment of Buffalo’s defense. “They still don’t have a guy, and it’s hard to get where they want to go without one.” He also noted that the Bills are not expected to bring back free agent veteran Von Miller, while adding that the one-year experiment with Joey Bosa wasn’t enough.
La Canfora believes Sweat could be the missing piece. “Somebody is going pry Josh sweat out of Arizona. He doesn’t want to be there and they aren’t close to winning.“
Do the Bills have enough pass rush?
The Bills have invested heavily along the defensive front over the last several seasons, but their pass rush has largely become a committee effort rather than one driven by a true game-changing edge defender.
Buffalo enters 2026 with plenty of intriguing talent. Greg Rousseau has developed into one of the league’s better all-around defensive ends, even if he isn’t consistently producing 10-plus sack seasons. There is fascinating regarding what new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s system will do for Rousseau.
The Bills also added veteran Bradley Chubb and drafted T.J. Parker in the second round of the 2026 NFL draft. Michael Hoecht will add to the room, but questions surrounding his health linger as he recovers from his Achilles injury. That group should be productive. The question is whether it’s dominant.
History suggests that many Super Bowl teams eventually lean on one pass rusher capable of winning obvious passing downs almost by himself. Think of players like Myles Garrett, T. J. Watt, Nick Bosa, Maxx Crosby, Trey Hendrickson, or even Sweat during Philadelphia Eagles’ championship run.
Those are players offensive coordinators plan around every week. Buffalo doesn’t quite have that player today.
It’s hard to completely disagree with La Canfora’s assessment.
Why Josh Sweat makes sense for Bills
Sweat checks nearly every box. The 29-year-old has produced 20 sacks over the past two seasons while posting the best pressure rates of his career.
He’s still in his prime and has proven he can routinely get to the quarterback from the edge position. Unlike many veteran pass rushers who become available, Sweat wouldn’t simply be a situational addition. He would immediately become one of Buffalo’s top defensive playmakers.
The real question is whether Sweat is available. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that, despite the recent rumors, the Cardinals have no intention of trading Sweat. They might not have the intention but that doesn’t mean they don’t have interest. According to La Canfora, he believes Sweat will be on the move for the right price.
What’s reasonable trade offer for Sweat?
If Arizona truly decides to move Sweat, I’d be comfortable offering a 2027 third-round pick for Sweat and a 2027 sixth-round pick in return. If the bidding becomes competitive, I’d even consider offering a conditional pick that could become a second-rounder if Sweat hits performance milestones.
Finding elite pass rushers consistently in the back half of the first round is incredibly difficult. At some point, proven production has more value than potential. Sweat might not be Crosby or Hendrickson, but he brings enough value and talent to the table to make a difference.
The Bills have assembled one of the deepest rosters in football. What they may still be missing is the player offenses have to account for before every snap.
If the front office thinks Sweat is available, Brandon Beane should at least make the call.
