The Detroit Lions face a significant challenge on defense, particularly in their pass-rush, after Aidan Hutchinson sustained a serious injury in Week 6.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula during the victory over the Dallas Cowboys, which will sideline him for the remainder of the season. A source close to Hutchinson indicated he hopes to return by the Super Bowl, but recovery is projected to take six to eight months.
Even if Hutchinson is able to play by the Super Bowl, the Lions must first make it there, and the absence of both Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, who is also likely out for the season, complicates that goal.
In light of this, Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department recommends the Lions pursue a trade for unhappy New York Jets edge rusher, Haason Reddick.
This has been discussed previously, as the Lions could have benefited from an additional edge-rusher before Hutchinson’s injury. Now, with their top defensive end out for the season, trading for Reddick becomes even more logical. He ranks as the top player on B/R’s NFL Trade Block Big Board.
Reddick, previously with the Eagles, is seeking a new contract, but the Lions have nearly $30 million in cap space to accommodate him, according to Over The Cap.
Although Reddick and the Jets are currently in a contract dispute, there are no signs indicating the Jets will trade the veteran rusher. However, if the stalemate continues past the trade deadline, a move could be feasible.
The two-time Pro Bowler stands out as one of the best candidates for the Lions to fill in for Hutchinson, having recorded double-digit sacks for the past four years, including a personal best of 16 in 2022.
As noted by Bleacher Report, the Lions not only have the cap space for Reddick’s contract but can also afford the extension he desires.
Detroit won’t be able to fully replace a player of Hutchinson’s caliber, but Reddick is among the most promising options to replicate the impact Hutchinson has on the field.
