Josh Sweat’s football journey is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and raw talent. From his standout college career at Florida State to becoming a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end in the NFL, Sweat has proven his worth at every level
His 2022 campaign showcased his ability to dominate on the field, and as he continues to develop, his future in the NFL looks brighter than ever.
With his relentless work ethic and athletic ability, Sweat has the potential to be one of the top pass rushers in the league for years to come.
As he enters the 2024 NFL season, Sweat’s future remains bright. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to improvement, he has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in the NFL.
Whether it’s his explosive play on the field or his contributions to the community, Josh Sweat has proven that he is more than just a football player—he is a true leader and role model.
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Table of Contents
Josh Sweat: Who Is He?
A Rising Star in the NFL
Josh Sweat was born on March 29, 1997, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended Oscar F. Smith High School, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dominant defensive player.1
His size, speed, and athleticism set him apart from his peers, making him one of the top high school recruits in the country.
During his senior year, he was ranked as the number one prospect by ESPN, a testament to his outstanding performance on the field.
However, his journey faced a major setback when he suffered a severe knee injury that required reconstructive surgery. Despite the injury, Sweat remained committed to his football career and graduated early in December 2014 to enroll in college.
I’ve been on!! Your behind lol https://t.co/geQByzCoxY
— Josh Sweat (@J_Sweat9) January 13, 2016
Early Life and High School Career
Sweat chose to play college football at Florida State University, turning down offers from top programs such as Virginia Tech, Georgia, Ohio State, and Oregon.
As a freshman in 2015, he made an immediate impact, recording 41 tackles, 5 sacks, and an interception in 12 games. His ability to rebound from a serious injury and perform at a high level impressed coaches and analysts alike.
In his sophomore year, Sweat continued his upward trajectory, accumulating 41 tackles and 7 sacks in 11 games. His speed and ability to pressure quarterbacks made him a key defensive player for the Seminoles.
By his junior year, Sweat had established himself as one of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, finishing the season with 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks. After three productive seasons, he decided to declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Josh Sweat: Career
2018 NFL Draft and Philadelphia Eagles Selection
Josh Sweat entered the 2018 NFL Combine with high expectations. He showcased his athletic prowess by finishing first among defensive linemen in both the 40-yard dash and vertical jump.2
His impressive performance boosted his draft stock, but concerns over his previous knee injury led some teams to hesitate.
Despite this, the Philadelphia Eagles saw his potential and selected him in the fourth round of the draft as the 130th overall pick.
Joining a team that had just won Super Bowl LII, Sweat had the opportunity to learn from experienced players while developing his skills at the professional level.
Early Years in the NFL
Sweat’s rookie season in 2018 was a developmental year, as he appeared in nine games but did not record a sack.
However, his work ethic and determination paid off in his second season, where he played in all 16 games and registered 21 tackles and 4 sacks. He gradually became a key part of the Eagles’ defensive line rotation, earning increased playing time.
By the 2020 season, Sweat had cemented his role as a vital contributor to the Eagles’ pass rush. He recorded 6 sacks, 38 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
His breakout year came in 2021 when he amassed 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, leading to his first Pro Bowl nomination. Sweat was initially an alternate but was named to the roster after Nick Bosa withdrew due to injury.
Breakout Performance in 2022
The 2022 season was a defining moment in Sweat’s career. He set career highs with 48 tackles and 11 sacks, along with an interception return for a touchdown.
His contributions helped lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII, where he played a crucial role in the team’s defensive efforts.
Despite their 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Sweat’s performance throughout the season solidified his status as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
Establishing Himself as an Elite Edge Rusher
As the 2023 season approached, Sweat continued to elevate his game. His combination of speed, power, and technique made him a nightmare for offensive linemen.
He worked extensively with the Eagles’ coaching staff to refine his pass-rushing moves and improve his consistency.
His ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays earned him recognition among the NFL’s top edge rushers.
Throughout the 2023 campaign, Sweat maintained his dominance on the defensive line. His explosiveness off the edge and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks contributed to the Eagles’ success in the NFC.
His partnership with other star defenders, including Haason Reddick and Fletcher Cox, made Philadelphia’s defensive unit one of the most formidable in the league.
The 2024 NFL Season and Future Prospects
Entering the 2024 NFL season, Josh Sweat remains a cornerstone of the Eagles’ defense. His relentless work ethic and dedication to improvement have made him a leader both on and off the field.
With the Eagles eyeing another deep playoff run, Sweat’s role will be crucial in determining their success.
At just 27 years old, Sweat is in the prime of his career. If he continues on his current trajectory, he has the potential to become one of the all-time great pass rushers in Eagles history.
His journey from a highly touted high school prospect to an elite NFL player is a testament to his perseverance and talent.
Impact Beyond the Field
Off the field, Sweat has become an inspiration to young athletes who face adversity. His ability to overcome a severe injury early in his career serves as a powerful example of resilience.
He has also been actively involved in community initiatives, working with local organizations to support youth programs and charitable causes in Philadelphia.
His commitment to giving back to the community has earned him respect not only from fans but also from his teammates and coaches. Sweat’s leadership extends beyond the football field, making him a role model for aspiring athletes.
Josh Sweat: Contract Extension and Pro Bowl Selection (2021)
The Eagles recognized Sweat’s growth and potential by signing him to a three-year, $40 million contract extension on September 18, 2021.3
The deal ensured that Sweat would be a key piece of the Eagles’ defense for years to come.
Sweat’s hard work paid off later in the season when he was named to his first Pro Bowl, replacing Nick Bosa, who was unavailable due to injury.
Unfortunately, Sweat missed the Eagles’ Wild Card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after undergoing emergency surgery for a life-threatening medical condition. His absence was felt, but his recovery was the primary focus.
Dominant 2022 Season and Super Bowl Appearance
The 2022 season was the best of Sweat’s career. He recorded 48 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown, cementing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends.
Sweat’s efforts played a crucial role in the Eagles’ journey to Super Bowl LVII. During the Super Bowl, Sweat recorded one tackle in the Eagles’ 38–35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Sweat’s performance throughout the season reinforced his status as a dominant defensive player.
Josh Sweat continues to be a key player for the Eagles’ defense. His combination of size, speed, and skill makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. As he enters the prime of his career, the expectations remain high for him to build upon his past successes and help lead the Eagles to another Super Bowl run.
Also Read: Kyle Williams’ Unexpected Tie to Andy Reid Could Shape His 2025 NFL Draft Journey
Josh Sweat’s Contract Breakdown
According to Spotrac, Josh Sweat signed a one-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles valued at $10,000,000 in 2024.
His extended contract includes a signing bonus of $8,375,000, a guaranteed amount of $9,500,000, and an average annual salary of $10,000,000.
| Contract | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | Guaranteed at Signing | Total Guaranteed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year / $10,000,000 | $8,375,000 | $10,000,000 | $9,500,000 | $9,500,000 |
| Year | Age | Cap Hit | Annual Cash | Cumulative Cash | Dead Cap |
| 2024 | 27 | $8,077,000 | $10,500,000 | $10,500,000 | $24,015,000 |
According to his one-year renegotiation contract, Sweat will receive an average annual salary of $10,000,000.
Additionally, he would earn a base salary of $1,125,000, with a cap hit of $8,077,000 and a dead cap value of $24,015,000 in 2024.
How Much Does Josh Sweat Make Per Minute?
Josh Sweat makes approximately $19.02 per minute based on his contract details.
According to the terms and conditions of his contract, Sweat earns a per-game active bonus of $29,411, up to a total of $500,000. He is also eligible for performance-based incentives, including:
- $500,000 for a Pro Bowl selection
- $1,000,000 for an All-Pro selection
- $500,000 for recording 8 sacks
- $1,000,000 for recording 10 sacks
- $1,500,000 for recording 11 sacks
- $2,000,000 for recording 12 sacks
These incentives are non-cumulative, meaning he can only receive the highest applicable bonus.
As of February 2025, Josh Sweat has accumulated total career earnings of $39,796,937 over seven years in the NFL.
Josh Sweat’s NFL Earning
Philadelphia Eagles (2021-2024)
Sweat signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Eagles in 2021. The terms included:
- $10 million signing bonus
- $29.6 million total guaranteed amount
- $13,333,333 average annual salary
Philadelphia Eagles (2018-2021)
Sweat signed a four-year, $3.06 million rookie contract with the Eagles in 2018. The terms included:
- $597,591 signing bonus
- $597,591 total guaranteed amount
- $764,398 average annual salary
This progression showcases his growth as a valuable defensive asset for the Eagles and his increasing market value in the NFL.
Also Read: Kyle Williams’ Unexpected Tie to Andy Reid Could Shape His 2025 NFL Draft Journey
