The benefits and drawbacks of the Detroit Lions trading for Haason Reddick
Although the defense was not always reliable this season, it seems like the attack is in a strong position. In order to address this, general manager Brad Holmes can choose to bolster Aaron Glenn’s team with a playmaker.
One seems to have become available early in the offseason, as sources state that linebacker Haason Reddick of the Philadelphia Eagles is free to pursue a trade. He had an excellent season with the Eagles in 2023, recording 13 tackles for loss in addition to 11 sacks. In each of his two seasons in Philadelphia, the seasoned player has recorded double-digit sacks.
With Reddick’s decision, the Eagles will have a new defensive coordinator for the third consecutive season, capping an offseason of transition. In several categories, the defense was among the weakest in the league in 2023.
Reddick is a talented pass rusher who would be a huge asset to the Lions. His 73.9 pass-rush grade and total of 68 pressures indicate that he was a productive player opposite Aidan Hutchinson, according to Pro Football Focus. In 2023, Detroit struggled to get to the quarterback. The alternating group of rushers found it difficult to apply heat on the opposing passers, and Hutchinson was frequently double-teamed.
Reddick is an accomplished pass-rush player, and his addition would considerably improve the Lions’ rush attempts. He has also proven to be resilient against the run, as evidenced by his 63.7 run defense grade, according to PFF. Reddick is expected to cost the organization $14.25 million in 2024, using approximately $21.88 million of cap space. The Lions’ cap is anticipated to be over $58 million this summer, so they might afford such a commitment.
But following the 2024 campaign, he will demand a new contract. With so many players set to sign contract extensions with the Lions in the upcoming seasons, Reddick’s asking price might be prohibitive considering his output.
A trade would also mean giving up crucial draft compensation to the Lions. The move might not be worth the loss if Brad Holmes believes he can identify young potential in April, given his track record of finding talent in the draft.
The assessment of Reddick’s capacity to adapt to Detroit’s established culture will probably determine whether or not he fits in with the Lions in the end. The brass of the organization should look into adding him because his production would be very beneficial to the defense.