The Detroit Lions are faced with a challenging decision on whether to take a gamble on disgruntled two-time Pro Bowler Haason Reddick as a potential replacement for their star edge rusher, Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson, who has been instrumental in the Lions’ success with a league-leading 7.5 sacks in five games, suffered a devastating injury in Week 6, breaking his left tibia and fibula in a dominant 47-9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. After Hutchinson’s injury, he was placed on injured reserve, leaving the Lions in urgent need of bolstering their pass-rushing unit.
The #Lions have checked in on the Haason Reddick situation, per source. Could just be diligence. But Dan Campbell promised that GM Brad Holmes is doing his homework and that appears to be the case here. https://t.co/Wueh5pfTDt
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 16, 2024
The Lions have reportedly reached out to the New York Jets regarding Reddick, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Detroit head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged that general manager Brad Holmes is actively exploring options, and discussions about Reddick seem to be part of that homework.
Reddick, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets in April, is currently holding out for a new contract, as he enters the final year of his three-year, $45 million deal. Despite his impressive track record, with 27 sacks in his last two seasons with the Eagles, Reddick’s holdout and absence from the offseason and regular season could affect his immediate impact. This raises concerns about whether Reddick can still perform at an elite level after sitting out the first six weeks of the season.
Adding complexity to the situation, the Jets would receive a 2026 second-round pick if they trade Reddick to an NFC team, per Josina Anderson, a longtime NFL reporter. This potential compensation means that New York will likely demand a significant return for Reddick in any trade negotiations, further complicating Detroit’s decision to pursue him.
While Reddick offers a tempting solution to the Lions’ current defensive woes, there are risks involved. The cost to acquire him could be steep, and there are no guarantees that he will perform at the level Detroit needs, especially considering his current holdout situation. Additionally, there might be other options on the table for the Lions as they look to strengthen their defense before the trade deadline.
Names like Za’Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns have emerged as potential alternatives. The Browns, who are struggling with a 1-5 record, might consider trading Smith, especially if their losing streak continues. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 10 pressures through his first six games, according to Pro Football Focus, making him another intriguing option for Detroit to explore.
Ultimately, while the Lions are in desperate need of an edge rusher to replace Hutchinson and keep their Super Bowl hopes alive, they must carefully weigh the risks and rewards of trading for Reddick. Given the uncertainties surrounding his situation and the potential cost involved, Detroit may be better off exploring other options before making a high-stakes move that could have long-term ramifications.
