The Haason Reddick chapter with the New York Jets may soon be over, as the team traded for the linebacker from the Philadelphia Eagles on April 1. Reddick, seeking a better contract, held out and subsequently requested a trade. Fans may want to hold off on purchasing any Reddick Jets jerseys.
If the Jets decide to part with Reddick, he could attract interest from multiple teams. Reddick has recorded double-digit sacks in each of the past four seasons, joining Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns as the only players to achieve this feat. With the NFL season approaching, many teams are looking to bolster their pass rush.
One potential destination for Reddick is the Atlanta Falcons, who have struggled to find a top pass rusher in recent years. Instead of addressing this need in the first round of the NFL Draft, the Falcons opted to select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Although the team made strides in the offseason, they still require assistance in their pass rush. Adding Reddick could significantly enhance their defensive front as they aim for the NFC South title.
The Chicago Bears also come to mind, having acquired pass rusher Montez Sweat last season, which immediately improved their defense. However, the Bears still need another pass rusher to alleviate pressure on Sweat. With adequate salary-cap space, trading for Reddick could make the Bears’ defensive line much more formidable, despite some hesitation surrounding future draft capital.
Jonathan Gannon, the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, previously coached Reddick as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator and understands his value. The Cardinals, lacking depth in defense, are in need of reinforcement. While it may not be wise for them to trade draft picks during a rebuilding phase, Reddick would immediately enhance their defensive unit, especially since he was a first-round pick for Arizona from 2017 to 2020.
In Miami, the Dolphins are also assessing their defensive capabilities, particularly regarding the health of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, both of whom suffered season-ending injuries. Adding Reddick could alleviate some of this pressure, particularly after the recent retirement of Shaq Barrett. The Dolphins have demonstrated a willingness to trade for established players, as seen with their acquisitions of Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey. After narrowly missing out on an AFC East title last season, the Dolphins may be eager to make a win-now move.
While it seems unlikely, it would be intriguing if the Eagles were to reacquire Reddick for a bargain. The Kansas City Chiefs, known for their win-now mentality, could also be interested in Reddick as they aim for a third consecutive Super Bowl title. Although financial constraints may complicate a potential deal, the idea of adding a player fresh off an 11-sack season is certainly appealing.