NFL week two was about as big of a disaster for the birds as one could imagine. Saquon Barkley dropped what would have been a game-ending first down pass on 3rd and 3 with under two minutes left. The Eagles would see their chances of winning go up in smoke as the Falcons would go on a game-winning drive in just six passes from Kirk Cousins to lose the game. A big reason for Cousins’s easy march down the field late was because of the defensive line’s lack of pressure. On that drive, and for most of the game, Cousins was relatively uncontested. This led to easy dropbacks and wide-open receivers from a secondary in soft-zone. If the Eagles want any chance of seriously competing, they need to generate more pressure in the backfield. Bringing ex-Eagle Haason Reddick might be the key to solving the Eagles’ problems.
Ex-Eagle Haason Reddick Could Be a Trade Target For the Eagles
Should the Eagles Trade for Haason Reddick?
Sure… The Eagles just shipped him off to the Jets, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be playing for them anytime soon. It was reported in August that Reddick could possibly be traded to another team. Movement toward a new contract hadn’t progressed with the Jets and he continues to hold out from the team.
Reddick could revitalize the Eagles line if he continues to be a no-show for the Jets. After all, the defensive end had the best years of his career with the Eagles. The team signed him from the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 offseason, and he went on to have a breakout campaign during the 2022 regular season. Reddick started all 17 games for the team and ended the year second in the league in sacks with 16. He also had a league-high five forced fumbles. These numbers were good enough to net him fourth in Defensive Player of the Year polls. He also made the All-Pro Second Team and was selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Reddick followed up his career year with another successful season in Philly. Despite his sack numbers dropping he still was in the double digits with 11 and was selected to another Pro-Bowl.
What Would He Bring To The Team
First of all he would bring familiarity, with the line struggling, bringing back a proven face like Reddick could bring a surge of optimism for the locker room. His ability to get after the quarterback is sorely needed right now. A big part of Philly’s zone defense philosophy relies on the front seven pressuring the quarterback into getting rid of the ball quickly and making mistake throws leading to turnovers.
However, the only two members of the front seven who have recorded sacks right now are Zack Baun and Milton Williams. Newest edge rusher Bryce Huff has failed to make an impact so far. If he can’t get it together, it might be time for the team to go after a familiar option.
Main Image: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports
