The Lions are unlikely to take on Haason Reddick’s baggage, but a former NFL GM has suggested they may trade for him.
With Marcus Davenport out for the season, the Detroit Lions are theoretically in the market for an edge rusher before the trade deadline. There are a few options, and Haason Reddick’s name frequently comes up.
Reddick’s situation is well-known, but here’s a quick recap. The New York Jets acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, aware he wanted a new contract. However, they didn’t finalize a deal before the trade. Reddick hasn’t participated in any activities since the Jets acquired him, still waiting on a new contract.
Reddick may be a headache the Jets would prefer to offload, despite recent comments by owner Woody Johnson. But the Lions and other teams are unlikely to take him on.
The speculation around a Reddick-to-Lions trade has faded, but it might resurface until the trade deadline passes.
Former NFL GM Suggests Lions Acquire Haason Reddick
In a piece for The 33rd Team, former Minnesota Vikings GM Jeff Diamond predicted that the Lions could trade for Reddick as part of his “5 bold predictions for the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline.”
“Many teams need help rushing the passer, including the Lions, who have Super Bowl ambitions. However, their pass defense could be a weakness, as it was last season. Detroit ranks 27th in pass defense and has only 11 sacks through five games, with Aidan Hutchinson having 6.5 of those sacks, and no other Lion with more than two.”
“A stronger pass rush would benefit their young cornerbacks, like first-rounder Terrion Arnold.”
“The Lions have more than $40 million in cap space this year and in 2025 to handle Reddick’s $14.25 million salary and extend his contract. They’re missing a third-round pick next year, but a fourth or fifth-round pick may be enough to acquire Reddick from the Jets, who likely want to be rid of his contract dispute.”
The Jets would probably want to offload Reddick’s “contract drama” to another team, making his trade cost lower. Since Reddick hasn’t participated in any team activities since the Eagles’ playoff run, his price could be more reasonable.
It’s easy to mention the Lions as a possible landing spot for Reddick, though he may not be an ideal fit. Diamond simply built on existing speculation from other sources.
