The Detroit Lions have to decide which players will be on their list to pursue for upgrades this offseason, and already a fascinating name has emerged on the market in Haason Reddick.
After a solid two-year run with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reddick could be on the move this offseason. Since he is a productive edge rusher, the Lions could (and should) have some surface-level interest.
Bleacher Report's David Kenyon has followed by offering some potential trade packages for teams who are easy to mark as top landing spots for Reddick. The Lions of course made that list.
"If the Lions embrace a Super Bowl charge, they could send the 61st overall pick as the main asset for Reddick. (Thanks to a previous trade, Detroit's next selection would only be 12 spots later at No. 73 anyway). Detroit paced the NFL with a 28.2 pressure rate but ranked just 23rd in sacks with 41. Only two regular pass-rushers—edge Aidan Hutchinson (11.5) and defensive tackle Alim McNeill (5.0)—recorded more than two sacks. Reddick would provide a massive boost to the defensive front, and the Lions have $40-plus million in space to accommodate him."
So what's the proposed trade offer from the Lions to get Reddick?
Trade offer: Reddick for 2024 second-round pick (No. 61) and 2025 fourth-round pick
The Lions had trouble rushing the passer last season, and finding help for Aidan Hutchinson has to be a major offseason goal. Reddick has 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons and he's 29 years old. So he fits any possible "win now" window, and he could still serve as a building block for the future.
Dan Campbell: Detroit Lions won't choose sheer talent over culture
Heading into offseason, head coach Dan Campbell addressed the delicate balance between improving the team's talent level and staying true to the identity that has been a core element. There aren't going to be exceptions made simply because a player might have superior talent.
There are likely to be plenty of players who fit the Lions' priorities in free agency, the trade market and the draft. They will have to decide if Reddick is that kind of fit. But a second-round pick this year and a third-round pick in 2025 lands as a reasonable cost if he is deemed a fit, and it can become a reality.