Pros and Cons of Lions Trading for Haason Reddick

Could Lions trade for a defensive star?

Though the Detroit Lions came up one win short of a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, their window to compete for a title appears to be just beginning. 

As a result, the organization would benefit from being aggressive this offseason, as it looks to maximize its chances to win the ultimate prize in football. 

The offense appears to be in a good spot, but the defense was shaky at points this season. To resolve this, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes may decide to add a playmaker to Aaron Glenn's group. 

One has appeared to come available early in the offseason, as the Philadelphia Eagles have allowed linebacker Haason Reddick to seek a trade, per reports. 

He is coming off a strong season for the Eagles, having posted 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2023. The veteran has posted double-digit sack totals in each of his two campaigns with Philadelphia. 

Reddick's decision aligns with an offseason of change for the Eagles, which will have a new defensive coordinator for the third straight year. The defense struggled in 2023, falling to among the league's worst in multiple categories. 

The Lions would benefit greatly from adding Reddick for his abilities as a pass-rusher. He totaled 68 pressures and posted a 73.9 pass-rush grade, via Pro Football Focus, which would make him an asset working opposite Aidan Hutchinson. 

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Detroit had a difficult time getting to the quarterback in 2023. Hutchinson was often double-teamed, and the rotating cast of EDGE rushers struggled to generate heat on opposing passers. 

Adding Reddick, a proven pass-rush talent, would do wonders for the Lions' rush efforts. He also has held up against the run, earning a 63.7 run-defense grade from PFF. 

Reddick is set to earn $14.25 million in 2024, and will count $21.88 million against the team's cap space. The Lions are set to have around $58 million in cap this offseason, so they would be able to handle this sort of commitment. 

However, he will command a new contract after the 2024 season. Given his production, Reddick's price tag may not be affordable, given the number of players who are due for extensions for the Lions in the coming seasons. 

Additionally, a trade would require the Lions to part with valuable draft compensation. Given Brad Holmes' proven ability to find talent in the draft, the move may not be worth the loss if he trusts his ability to find younger talent in April.

Ultimately, whether or not Reddick fits with the Lions will likely come down to an evaluation of his ability to mold with Detroit's established culture. His production would greatly help the defense, so it's an addition worth exploring for the organization's front office.