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The Detroit Lions are considering trading for veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick to boost their defense. Reddick’s proven performance and the Lions’ ample cap space make this a promising opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
- The Lions are thinking about trading for Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick.
- The Lions have the cap space to sign Reddick to a long-term deal, boosting their defense.
- The Jets face uncertainty with Reddick’s contract demands, making a trade possible.
Why the Lions Want Haason Reddick
The Detroit Lions are thinking about trading for veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick. Even though he was already traded this offseason, his name is on Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox’s “Big Board” for NFL trades.
Knox suggests that the Lions, with their ample cap space, could be a suitable destination for Reddick, potentially offering a 2025 third-round pick.
“The list of interested teams should include those who believe they can win in the near future and who have the cap space to sign Reddick long-term,” Knox wrote.
“The Lions, for example, could use another complement to Aidan Hutchinson and have the second-most cap space in the league.”
How Edge Rusher Haason Reddick Could Fit With the Lions
The Lions signed veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport for one year at $6.5 million this offseason.
But Davenport is still recovering from an ankle injury and will miss the start of training camp. If he’s healthy this fall, he could be a great partner for Aidan Hutchinson.
However, the Lions could still use another experienced edge rusher like Reddick.
Reddick has been consistent, getting at least 11 sacks each season over the last four years. In 2022, he had a career-high 16 sacks and led the league with five forced fumbles.
Last season, he had 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits. His strong performance would be a big help to the Lions’ defense.
Reddick’s current situation with the New York Jets complicates things. He was traded from the Eagles to the Jets for a conditional third-round pick in April but skipped all of the Jets’ offseason workouts to push for a new long-term contract.
If the Lions trade for Reddick, they’ll need to negotiate a new contract carefully since they also have big contracts with players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell.
Would the New York Jets Really Trade Reddick?
Just because Reddick is on the trade block doesn’t mean the Jets will definitely trade him.
They gave up a conditional third-round pick for him, which could become a second-round pick if he meets certain goals. So, they might not want to let him go before he even plays a game for them.
However, the Jets might have no choice. Reddick wants long-term security and skipped the offseason program, putting the Jets in a tough spot.
Knox wrote, “The Jets traded a conditional third-round pick to get him, and they won’t let him go easily. But Reddick skipped the entire offseason, which might force the Jets to trade him.”
ESPN’s Rich Cimini said that the Jets thought Reddick would play without issues, but his absence suggests otherwise.
This problem leaves the Jets considering their options, which might include trading Reddick to a team like the Lions, which can meet his contract demands.
Potential Destinations for Reddick
If the Jets decide to trade Reddick, the Lions aren’t the only team interested. The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens are also possible options.
The Chiefs have $15.4 million in cap space and could improve their already strong pass rush with Reddick.
Even with limited cap space, the Ravens could use Reddick to fill the gap left by Jadeveon Clowney’s departure.
Reddick’s performance last season with the Eagles, where he played in all 17 games and recorded 38 total tackles, 11 sacks, a forced fumble, and a defended pass, makes him a valuable option for any team looking to strengthen their defense.
While the Jets’ willingness to trade Reddick remains uncertain, the Lions’ cap space and Reddick’s proven performance make this a compelling scenario to watch as training camp approaches.