Not many players exist in the NFL landscape who Dallas Cowboys fans hate more than Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Not only is he a questionable character on a division rival, but him spitting on Dak Prescott last year, and failing to apologize, has forever villainized Carter in Dallas.
But the reality is that Carter has enjoyed his share of success against the Cowboys. In five matchups, he's notched 1.0 sacks, 12 tackles, including one for a loss, two batted passes, five QB hits and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. While that's not earth-shattering, Carter is a great young player.
That said, the Eagles, for a myriad of reasons, don't seem too eager to lock him into a lucrative multi-year extension. This has seemingly made for some tension in Philadelphia, and there is a non-zero chance that Carter is soon dealt out of the division. That, of course, would be good news for Dallas.
However, a recently proposed trade idea that centers around Carter is somewhat of a double-edged sword for the Cowboys.
Proposed Eagles-Jalen Carter trade wouldn't necessarily help Cowboys
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton has proposed one trade that each NFL team should consider ahead of the 2026 NFL season. For the Eagles, of course, that involves dishing Carter. But Moton proposed that Philly send him to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for defensive end Josh Sweat.
Dallas fans remember Sweat quite well, and they know that this trade is not exactly a net positive for America's Team.
"Philadelphia Eagles: Trade DT Jalen Carter for Arizona Cardinals EDGE Josh Sweat
"Here's a blockbuster deal that could solve issues for both teams.Â
"According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Eagles are 'hesitant' to sign Carter to an extension. Philadelphia has a need on the edge with Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. likely to compete for snaps opposite Jonathan Greenard. Hunt has made strides, but he has been a rotational player for two years.
"The Eagles can upgrade their pass rush by bringing back Sweat, who played for the team between 2018 and 2024. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the 29-year-old edge-rusher has 'let it be known' that he's not happy in Arizona. The Cardinals can swap him and draft capital for Carter, who's younger and can contribute to the pass rush on the interior of the defensive line."
Sweat, as fans know, spent the first seven years of his NFL career in Philly, and he was a key cog in them winning Super Bowl LIX. His 6.0 career sacks against the Cowboys and famous sweat-wiping celebration are imprinted in the heads of Cowboys fans.
Sure, the Eagles getting rid of Carter is a good thing. But replacing him, not positionally, but in terms of impact, with Sweat, doesn't exactly make Dallas' NFC East rival any worse. Plus, extra draft capital for Howie Roseman is nightmare fuel for Cowboys fans.
Yes, this trade makes sense in a number of ways for both sides. And sure, Sweat is a bit older and hasn't been a Pro Bowler since 2021. But he recorded a career-high in sacks last year playing for the lowly Cardinals, so Sweat still has it. Seeing him twice a year wouldn't be fun for Dallas.
Philadelphia lost defensive end Jaelan Phillips this offseason, but they already replaced him with Jonathan Greenard. Adding Sweat to a group that also has Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. would really test the Cowboys and potentially expose their problem at left tackle.
So, the Cowboys may have to be careful what they wish for with Philly potentially shipping off Carter, as he is a young player with value who could net quite a return for the Eagles. Dallas can beat this team and win the NFC East, so maybe they shouldn't be hoping for a shakeup across the division.
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