Falcons Trade Rumor for Eagles' Haason Reddick: Negotiating Ploy?

After granting star edge rusher Haason Reddick permission to seek a trade, the Atlanta Falcons are reportedly interested in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Two years after signing a three-year, $45 million contract, Haason Reddick has been granted permission to seek a trade away from the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though, according to the 29-year-old, he never requested a trade.

However, reports have already linked the star edge rusher to the Atlanta Falcons. According to a report from The Liberty Line, the Falcons "have shown initial interest" in the two-time Eagles sack leader.

Since joining Philadelphia ahead of the 2022 season, Reddick has made a name for himself as one of the league's top edge rushers, accumulating 27 sacks and 49 quarterback hits in two seasons; he'd be a welcomed addition to the Falcons defense. 

Dec 3, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) reacts after a defensive stop against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.   / Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

While the Falcons' pass rush improved over the last year, where they ranked second to last in sacks in 2022, before rising to 22 this past season, they still need help. A big reason behind the improvement this past season was their off-season investment in free agency. 

After two seasons of eating the dead money from the expensive contracts given to former quarterback Matt Ryan and receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons had over $60 million in cap space to use a year ago. That was enough to see them add a veteran trio upfront, in defensive tackles Calais Campbell and David Oneyamata, and edge rusher Bud Dupree. 

That investment paid off immediately as Campbell and Dupree tied for the lead in sacks for the Falcons. However, both did so on one-year deals, which means they could leave in free agency or, in Campbell's case, could call it quits on his career and retire. 

Given the ages of Dupree, 31, and Campbell, 37, their signings weren't supposed to be long-term solutions for the Falcons pass-rush. Which makes a trade for Reddick, 29, all the more enticing. 

However, with Reddick's admission of never requesting a trade, despite uncertainty surrounding his future in Philadelphia as his contract expires next season, the door seems open to the Eagles keeping him.

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A similar situation unfolded last offseason with veteran cornerback Darius Slay, who also needed a contract extension before he was reportedly set to be released after negotiations had broken. Yet, the release never happened, as he signed a two-year extension instead.

Coincidence? Maybe, but considering the Eagles would have to eat $20 million in dead cap if they move Reddick this offseason, it could be another negotiating ploy by general manager Howie Roseman.