It's been months since the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing to be their new offensive coordinator, and this offseason, the focus has been on improving the roster in multiple different ways.
Offensively, the Lions haven't needed much tweaking other than attempting to fine tune their offensive line. They have added a few small pieces otherwise, including former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch. The intriguing part about that addition is that Dortch had a history with Petzing.
While Petzing coached the offense, he would likely have several contacts across the roster on the defensive side. Enter Josh Sweat, a productive defensive end who signed with the Cardinals in free agency back in 2025. It seems that Sweat isn't thrilled in Arizona according to Kyle Odegard given his absence from OTA's.
Don’t know the exact reason for the absence, but I’ve been hearing for awhile that Josh Sweat is not particularly happy in AZ https://t.co/kDxy09mRLg
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) May 19, 2026
When Sweat signed with the Cardinals, there were rumors that the Lions may have been interested in bringing him to town. That never played out, due mostly to the fact that Jonathan Gannon, his former defensive coordinator, became head coach of Arizona. Now that Gannon is out, Sweat could be fair game to move on.
The Lions could use Petzing to gain some valuable information on Sweat, and potentially even use him to convince Sweat that the Lions are the right franchise for him to join. There is no doubt that the Lions would benefit from having another top flight pass rusher like Sweat in the mix, and having a coach around who knows him well would represent a major advantage.
Petzing's traits as explained by Dan Campbell can help him lure Sweat
Could Petzing's relationship with Sweat matter as it relates to his potential next destination? It's possible, considering the way he interacts with players and seems to understand how to connect with those he comes into contact with.
Campbell spoke about Petzing's fit with the Lions after the hire was revealed, and he spoke about his ability to connect with not only every facet of the team, but communicate with all kinds of different players as well.
"I think he's going to fit in like a glove. To be a good coordinator, I think you have to know all of it. You have to know the run game, you have to know protections and certainly the pass game. Drew (Petzing), he checks every one of those boxes. It was about somebody being detailed (and) having knowledge of it. Enthusiastic. Good communicator. All of those things."
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In addition to knowing a team's offense, Petzing would have to be comfortable with their defense as well. There's a chance he has a good relationship with Sweat, and could put in a good word about the Lions if the situation bears out in that direction and there is mutual interest between the player and the team.
The Lions could use another pass rusher to boost their defensive line. A player like Sweat could be a difference maker toward tipping the scales in 2026. If the Lions are willing to use Petzing to recruit, they could end up benefitting with a surprise addition to round out their defense.
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