The much-debated NFL Top 100 list -- compiled from votes across locker rooms during the season -- has begun. The Cardinals have their first player, albeit one who made the list for accomplishments on another team.

New outside linebacker Josh Sweat reached No. 95 for 2025, after his eight-sack season for the Eagles last year (his monster Super Bowl, with 2.5 sacks, adds to the legend but not the ranking since the voting is done during the regular season.) That players around the league respect Sweat in such a way -- it was his first time on the list since he got into the league in 2018 -- only helps emphasize the Cardinals nabbed quality with their big free-agent signing.

Sweat isn't the first new Cardinal to land on the list before playing a down in Arizona. DeAndre Hopkins and Chandler Jones both made the list going into their initial season with the Cards.

The hope is that the Cardinals have others still to come on the list. Pro Bowlers Trey McBride and Budda Baker have a case, as might James Conner. The voting is always somewhat interesting; some players fill out the 20 spaces carefully, some only fill out some of the 20 spots (and would I be surprised if friends get votes, deserving or not? No.)

The list is being distributed on X (Twitter) twice a day until the full list is announced. Baker was the lone Cardinal to make the list in 2024.