Former edge rusher Josh Sweat was a massive success story for the Philadelphia Eagles' scouting team during his seven-year run with the organization.
The Florida State product was a fourth-round pick in the 2018 draft. His production increased almost every year he was with the team. Sweat recorded 43 sacks and even reached Pro Bowl status once.
Sweat was always a dependable edge rusher for Philly.
But his dominance in Super Bowl LIX made him a star in Philly … and this offseason, on the open market.
Sweat recorded 2.5 sacks in Philly's 40-22 blowout win in Super Bowl LIX. He parlayed that into a four-year, $76.4 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals at the start of free agency just a month later.
Sweat's Super Bowl performance and strong regular season have earned him the 95th spot on the NFL's top 100 players list.
"Sweat might have made the list on his Super Bowl performance alone," NFL.com's Bobby Kownack wrote. "He was the most damaging of Philadelphia's game-wrecking pass rushers, leading the defense with six quarterback pressures and 2.5 sacks as the Eagles thwarted the Chiefs' three-peat dreams."
Philadelphia always knew that Sweat would walk in free agency this year. … but that does not eliminate the talent concerns left in his Philly wake.
Still, no matter what … The fact that he was able to put up an excellent season, while becoming a Super Bowl hero, is all part of a great story that includes how the team will always appreciate the work their former fourth-round pick put in.
His latest ranking, the first time he has been in the NFL's top 100, only enhances how good he has been in recent years as a quality edge rusher. … and maybe what Philly is about to miss.