New York Jets Acquire More Than Bryce Huff Replacement in Haason Reddick Trade

The New York Jets have helped mitigate the loss of pass rush specialist Bryce Huff by adding the toughness, tenacity and experience of linebacker Haason Reddick.

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) / Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Jets continue to shine among their peers when it comes to offseason acquisitions by adding All-Pro linebacker Haason Reddick to an already stout defense for the upcoming NFL season. 

The Jets, on Friday, acquired Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round NFL Draft pick. The selection will become a second-rounder if Reddick plays at least 67.5 percent of New York’s defensive snaps this season and records at least 10 sacks. While the trade is being heralded as a logistical steal for the Jets, the team is also positioning themselves well to extend the Camden, New Jersey native’s contract beyond this season. 

Perhaps most importantly, Reddick’s acquisition helps to mitigate the loss of pass-rusher Bryce Huff, who ironically signed a free agent contract with the Eagles earlier this month. In fact, Huff’s signing with Philadelphia almost certainly acted as the catalyst for securing Reddick’s services via trade. 

Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is tackled by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) / Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Reddick, 29, has been one of the Eagles’ top linebackers since joining the team in 2022. However, his positional prowess as one of the NFL’s most-fearsome pass-rushers extends back for at least four seasons — a stretch in which he posted 11 or more sacks per year for both the Eagles and the Carolina Panthers, for whom he played in 2021. During his two years in the City of Brotherly Love,  Reddick collected 27 sacks and 76 pressures, while being selected for two Pro Bowls and earning a second-team All Pro nod in 2022. 

At his best, Reddick has an uncanny ability to draw a bead on the football, as well as the passer. Despite setting a career-high 16 sacks in 2022, he also led the NFL with five forced fumbles, three of which he recovered. 

With the Jets, he should immediately vault to the top of the position depth chart at weakside linebacker. Accordingly, he will help bolster a New York edge rush which includes defensive ends Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers. Johnson set a career-high by compiling 7.5 sacks, while Franklin-Meyers contributed 3.5. Former first-team All Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams will also play a prominent role in the team’s pass defense, having contributed 5.5 sacks and one interception last season. 

Despite Reddick’s addition, the Jets still face a formidable task in replicating Huff’s production in their front seven. Though the 25-year-old spent most of his first three seasons in a situational pass rushing role, he became a notable contributor in the Jets’ front seven last season. Huff finished 2023 having compiled 29 tackles (10, for loss), 10 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, 31 pressures and a pass break-up — all of which were career highs. Perhaps most impressively, he did so while aligning on only 42 percent of New York’s defensive snaps. 

While Huff’s youth and potential may be missed, Reddick’s toughness, tenacity and experience will make him a welcome addition to the Jets defense.