Lions interested in star edge-rusher, but should they avoid him?

Haason Reddick. Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Lions reportedly interested in two-time Pro Bowl edge-rusher, but should they avoid him?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/16/24

Should the Detroit Lions gamble on a disgruntled two-time Pro Bowler to replace star edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson?

Hutchinson — who leads the league in sacks (7.5 in five games) — immediately underwent surgery after fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a 47-9 Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys (3-3). The Lions placed him on injured reserve Tuesday.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler tweeted the Lions reached out to the New York Jets about edge-rusher Haason Reddick. Fowler added Detroit head coach Dan Campbell recently said general manager Brad Holmes is "doing his homework, and that appears to be the case here."

The #Lions have checked in on the Haason Reddick situation, per source. Could just be diligence. But Dan Campbell promised that GM Brad Holmes is doing his homework and that appears to be the case here. https://t.co/Wueh5pfTDt
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 16, 2024

The Philadelphia Eagles traded Reddick to the Jets in April. However, he's in the final year of a three-year, $45M deal and is still holding out for a new contract.

On Tuesday, New York permitted his new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, to seek a trade, via CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

Although Reddick had 27 sacks over his past two seasons with the Eagles, the 30-year-old may not play at an elite level after missing the offseason and the first six weeks of the regular season.

Additionally, the Eagles will receive a 2026 second-round pick if the Jets trade him to an NFC team, per longtime NFL reporter Josina Anderson. To compensate for the lost draft capital, New York probably has a sizeable asking price in a package involving Reddick.

Acquiring Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders or Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns seems like a pipe dream for the Lions. Still, some solid veteran pass-rushers may be available before the Nov. 5 trade deadline.

In his Monday column, The Athletic's Mike Sando suggested the Browns (1-5) could trade edge-rusher Za'Darius Smith if they keep losing. Per Pro Football Focus, the three-time Pro Bowler has 10 pressures through his first six games.

The Lions (4-1) don't want Hutchinson's injury to ruin their Super Bowl chances. Still, trading for Reddick may not increase them. They should see if they can find a better option before taking a massive risk.

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