Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Denies Josh Sweat Trade Talks with Cardinals

As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the Green Bay Packers are focused on the gridiron, but a lingering offseason rumor has finally been put to rest. On Tuesday, Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst flatly denied that his organization ever engaged in trade discussions with the Arizona Cardinals regarding star linebacker Josh Sweat. Speaking to reporters, Gutekunst was unequivocal: "No one from our organization has had a conversation about Josh Sweat from anyone at Arizona," he said, via Ryan Wood of USA Today. "That's coming out of thin air, someone is making stuff up, because that never happened."

A Rumor Born of Logic

The rumor had legs because of the intricate coaching connections between the two teams. Sweat, who spent his early career with the Philadelphia Eagles, was coached by then-defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. When Gannon became the Cardinals' head coach, Sweat followed him to Arizona via trade. Now, with Gannon having moved on to become the defensive coordinator in Green Bay, the dots seemed to connect naturally. Additionally, the LaFleur brothers—Matt in Green Bay and Mike in Arizona—coach the two franchises, making communication between the front offices appear seamless. However, Gutekunst's denial suggests that the speculation was just that—speculation.

"That's coming out of thin air, someone is making stuff up, because that never happened." — Brian Gutekunst

Sweat's Value on the Field

Regardless of the trade talks, Sweat remains a formidable force on the Cardinals' defense. Entering the second season of a four-year, $76 million deal, Sweat is coming off a career year in which he started all 17 games and recorded 12.0 sacks. His ability to pressure the quarterback would have been a valuable asset for any contender, including the Packers. Yet, as Gutekunst made clear, Green Bay never pursued that avenue.

Looking Ahead

For Packers fans, the denial may come as a disappointment, especially given the team's ongoing quest to bolster its pass rush. But Gutekunst's transparency underscores a commitment to building through the draft and free agency on their own terms. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on both teams to see if Sweat's production in Arizona and the Packers' defensive schemes under Gannon prove the rumor mill wrong. For now, the story is closed—unless, of course, the two teams meet in the playoffs and Sweat makes a game-changing play. Stay tuned to Vulius for all the latest NFL analysis and insider insights.