Detroit Lions naturally land on early list of teams who should trade for Haason Reddick

At or near the top of the Detroit Lions' list of offseason needs is another edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson. Bleacher Report has pointed to Haason Reddick of the Philadelphia Eagles as a potential trade target to get that done.

On the day of Super Bowl LVIII, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network dropped a report saying Reddick is being allowed to seek a trade. Which is to say, he/his agent are being allowed to find a suitable landing spot and a trade to send him there. Then the Eagles have to agree to it.

As is easy to assume, Reddick is entering the final year of his contract. He is due to make $16 million total, after a roster bonus and an escalator for earning a Pro Bowl selection this year. His $21.87 million cap hit is the largest for the Eagles in 2024 right now. That $1 million roster bonus isdue to him on March 15, creating a de facto deadline to get a trade worked out. An acquiring team would not be responsible for his $5.87 million in prorated signing bonus for this year.

Reddick has 27 sacks over the last two seasons (16 in 2022, 11 in 2023), which is the sixth-most in the league over that span. He has at least 11 sacks in four straight seasons, as he has become one of the top stand-up edge rushers in the league.

Reddick would surely like a deal that pays him at least $20 million per year, and since he's set to turn 30 in September he's probably headed for his last big bite at the financial apple.

Lions naturally land on list of teams who should trade for Haason Reddick

Justin Melo of The Draft Network is out with an early list of teams who should trade for Reddick. The Lions join the Washington Commanders and the Arizona Cardinals on said list.

"....The Lions possess most of the pieces necessary to be annual contenders. The pass-rushing spot opposite Aidan Hutchinson could use an upgrade."

"The by-committee trio of Charles Harris, Romeo Okwara, and an injured James Houston combined for 3.5 sacks. Harris and Okwara are scheduled to reach free agency and shouldn't be welcomed back as more than rotational contributors. Adding Reddick's speed opposite Hutchinson's finesse would positively change the scope of Detroit's pass-rushing capabilities."
-Justin Melo, The Draft Network

Acquiring Reddick comes with the obvious prerequisite of signing him to a contract extension. And what would the Eagles require in a trade? A couple draft picks is certain, but how good will they need to be? The trade cost feels less important than how an extension for Reddick would fit into the Lions' plan, with new contracts coming for some key players.

A one-year rental feels unlikely, if only because Reddick won't want to be dealt to any team that views him that way.

The Lions should be, and presumably will be, interested in Reddick. But they won't be the only ones, which creates uncertainty for their pursuit as other teams may be willing to give up better draft picks and/or pay him more in a new contract.

It'd be nice to see the Lions make a notable move to acquire a proven edge rusher this offseason. Reddick is automatically on that list of options, but time will tell how realistic an option he proves to be.