PHX Reporter

Josh Sweat, the newly signed linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, is not one to seek the spotlight. As he entered the room to sign his four-year contract on Thursday, he was met by in-house media and cameras. Despite his nerves, Sweat sat down with a smile.

"I'm so nervous," Sweat admitted, later requesting no spectators while recording his first social selfie video for his new fans.

Sweat's move to the Cardinals comes after a successful stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, culminating in a Super Bowl victory just weeks ago. "The money was gonna be good regardless," he stated, referring to his reported $41 million guaranteed contract with a maximum value of $76 million.

"I want to be seen as the guy who can make a difference," said Sweat, who recorded eight sacks last season. He expressed excitement about joining an ascending team where he can showcase his abilities.

Reuniting with Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis played a significant role in Sweat's decision. Both were part of the Eagles' coaching staff during some of Sweat's most productive seasons.

Sweat made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2021 and achieved a career-best 11 sacks in 2022. Drafted in the fourth round in 2018, he credits Gannon for helping him succeed in the NFL but regrets being a late bloomer.

"I just wanna win more games," Sweat emphasized.

Reflecting on his career, Sweat noted feeling overlooked due to being drafted in the fourth round. "Me being a fourth rounder, I felt like no matter how well I played no matter what I did, I never got that opportunity."

Gannon acknowledged that having familiar players like Sweat decreases uncertainty during free agency.

Sweat now leads an outside linebackers group including Baron Browning, BJ Ojulari, Zaven Collins, and Xavier Thomas. Fresh off a Super Bowl performance with 2½ sacks against Patrick Mahomes, he joked about their strategy: "Let's go get Mahomes."

He hopes to replicate such success with the Cardinals and perhaps lead them to their own Super Bowl appearance alongside Gannon and Rallis.

"You never know if you're really gonna be happy," said Sweat about finding fulfillment in his career choices.

In other team news, the Cardinals signed linebackers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker on Thursday. They also reportedly hosted veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., who is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last season with the Chargers.