Thinking he was leaving amid the NFL trade rumors, Philadelphia Eagles defensive Josh Sweat said goodbye to fans on Instagram.
“I will miss you all,” Sweat commented on a photo of himself posted by a fan account.
Three days later, the Eagles restructured Sweat’s contract.
Sweat won’t stay in Philly past 2024 under his revamped deal, but it does give him what he wanted: to stay wearing midnight green and some more money.
According to NFL Network insiders, Sweat’s contract restructure is worth up to $13 million with $10 million guaranteed.
#Eagles pass-rusher Josh Sweat is staying in Philly, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. He’s agreed to terms on a restructured contract, despite interest elsewhere for what likely would have been a pay increase. Philly keeps a good one home. pic.twitter.com/xTp8etWjel
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
The initial trade rumors suggesting the Eagles wanted to move on from Sweat were a surprise considering he was one of the brighter spots on defense for the Birds in 2023 and led the team alongside Haason Reddick (11) in sacks last year with 6.5.
With Sweat now staying with the team, Reddick’s departure looks more inevitable.
Sweat, 26, was selected in the fourth round by the Eagles in the 2018 draft. He became a full-time starter in Philly in 2021 where he earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
In six seasons, Sweat has totaled 196 tackles, 35 sacks, seven forced fumbles, nine pass deflections, and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Sweat will help welcome newly signed edge rushers, Bryce Huff and Zack Baun, to Philly