The Detroit Lions will have plenty of options to fix their lagging pass rush this offseason, and with many different choices, it can be difficult to hone in on the players who represent the best potential additions.
After what the Lions endured last season, it's safe to say most players on the market could help Detroit turn over a new defensive leaf. Peeling back the onion, however, one of the riskiest options may not be a good fit.
Bleacher Report and Kristopher Knox identified six free agents who carry the most risk and reward potential for 2025, and possible Lions target Haason Reddick made the list.
"The problem is that Reddick has only reached double-digit sacks in four of his eight pro seasons and is coming off of the most disappointing campaign of his career. He held out for nearly half of 2024 while angling for a new contract that he didn't receive. He logged just one sack and seven pressures across 10 games for the Jets."
"Now a full year removed from his last productive season, Reddick will also turn 31 in September. Pass-rushers don't always hit the proverbial cliff in their 30s, but it does happen."
"Matthew Judon, for example, had a 15.5 sack season with the New England Patriots in 2022. He suffered a torn bicep in 2023 and then recorded just 5.5 sacks with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024."
"The Jets underwhelmed overall last season, and Reddick might return to Pro Bowl form with a new team. Of course, his career might also have peaked with the Eagles two years ago. Unfortunately, a team won't know which version of the pass-rusher it is getting until Reddick is already under contract."
Reddick was rumored a Detroit addition near the trade deadline, but the Lions opted for Za'Darius Smith instead. That move was good, as Smith produced four sacks down the stretch. With this in mind, the Lions would be smart to build around Smith and avoid a riskier option like Reddick.
Detroit Lions shouldn't gamble at upgrading their pass rush this offseason
The Lions could choose to throw plenty of darts at the board this offseason to improve their pass rush. Very few options are bad, but a couple come with inherent risk that Detroit shouldn't be willing to take at this point in their timeline.
Bleacher Report's criticism of Reddick stands out. Signing an aging pass rusher to a high-dollar contract would be risky seeing as Reddick isn't coming off a great season, and may be trending in a poor direction. Unlike Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat, there is little production to harken back on from 2024. The same is true for potential cut candidate Joey Bosa.
While names like Reddick and Bosa could offer rewards if they are right, there is a bigger bust potential with them for a contending team like Detroit. If Reddick came on a big contract and struggled, it would be a mistake in judgement. Similarly, if Bosa came in and got injured, it would be frustrating turn.
Either the Lions make a splash and acquire Myles Garrett, or they sign a top free agent like Mack or Sweat. They could also keep Smith, sign a lower-tier free agent and draft a young pass rusher. All of those situations are less risky than going big on an inconsistent player like Reddick.