The Detroit Lions have a breakout talent in edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but lack a reliable pass rusher to complement him.
According to one insider, the missing component might be acquired through a blockbuster trade during the offseason.According to Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team, the Lions are the leading contenders to sign Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is expected to find a new home next season.
As Valentino mentioned, the Lions might profit from a personnel shuffle in Philadelphia.
“A trade between top NFC competitors would be unusual but not unheard of,” Valentino said in a statement. After signing Bryce Huff, the Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly looking into Haason Reddick. The team’s pass-rushing depth would take either Brandon Graham or Nolan Smith totally out of the rotation, which is not ideal.”
In a trade proposal, the Lions offer draft picks.
Valentino believes the Lions could get Reddick for a pair of draft picks, including their second-round pick this season. He believed that the Lions would trade selections 61 and 164 overall in return for Reddick, who is entering the final season of his three-year, $45 million contract. However, Valentino noted that the Eagles could hold out for a better offer, and the Lions might be willing to give up their first-round pick to close the deal.
Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler who earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2022, is coming off a productive season with the Eagles, which includes 38 total tackles and 11 sacks. Reddick is one year removed from his greatest season, when he had 49 total stops, 16.0 sacks, and a league-leading five forced fumbles in 2022.
Valentino noted that Reddick would provide the Lions with another veteran edge rusher to combine with Hutchinson.
“The Lions signed Marcus Davenport to an incentive-laden one-year deal, but his presence can’t affect Detroit’s mindset,” Valentino said in a statement. “Aidan Hutchinson requires a true star across from him. Reddick, who has at least 11 sacks in each of the last four seasons, is an ideal running mate.
Eagles Decide on Haason Reddick’s Future
Reddick’s future in Philadelphia is uncertain, particularly after the organization signed former New York Jets edge rusher Huff to a three-year contract for up to $51.1 million.
In February, Reddick responded to reports of a transfer request on social media site X. However, he clarified that he did not know his future plans in Philadelphia.
