The Haason Reddick trade is off to a terrible start for the New York Jets. Reddick was unhappy with his contract with the Eagles but assured the Jets he wouldn’t hold out if the team acquired him. He had a change of heart, as the talented pass rusher missed mandatory offseason practices while cosplaying in Japan and has not committed to returning once training camp begins on July 23rd.
Reddick wore a Jets T-shirt at a youth football camp in mid-July, but that’s the only sign he’s given regarding his future with the team. Nobody knows if he will report to camp or continue his holdout, and a time might come when the Jets decide he’s no longer worth the headache. New York made the original Haason Reddick trade with no intention of extending his contract, so perhaps they deal him to a team like the Chiefs or Ravens who might be willing to extend him.
Jets Could Trade Haason Reddick to Chiefs, Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach deserves a statue for how he built this team. The Chiefs have one of the most complete rosters in the league but still have over $15.4 million in available cap space, giving them more than enough financial freedom to make a move like this. While Kansas City’s roster is elite, there is always room for improvement as the team goes after their third Super Bowl title in as many seasons.
The Chiefs have a solid pass rush headlined by superstar defensive tackle Chris Jones and talented edge rusher George Karlaftis. However, this team could use a third player capable of getting after the quarterback, especially following first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah’s disappointing rookie campaign. While it’s too early to completely give up on the Kansas State product, Kansas City can’t afford to sit around and hope he reaches his ceiling. This team is all-in on their championship window, and a Haason Reddick trade would go a long way in making their pass rush even more dangerous.
Kansas City wouldn’t have won the Super Bowl last year without their top-10 defense. While most of the pieces are back, star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is now on the Tennessee Titans. A Haason Reddick trade would indirectly improve the secondary as well, as the improved pass rush would get after the quarterback earlier and put less pressure on the untested cornerbacks.
Ravens Chasing The Title
The 2023 Baltimore Ravens had the most talented roster in football, but all good things must come to an end. While the Ravens still have a talented group of players, they lost several key free agents throughout the offseason, including pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The former first-overall pick had a career season with Baltimore last year, recording 9.5 sacks before cashing in with the Carolina Panthers. Former first-round pick Odafe Oweh will have the first chance to fill Clowney’s role, but if the team wants a safer bet, they could trade for Haason Reddick.
Baltimore must get creative to make the money work, as they only have $5.9 million in available cap space. However, with that disclaimer out of the way, a Haason Reddick trade could be the piece that gets this team over the hump. Oweh is better off in a situational role, as fellow edge rusher Kyle Van Noy is getting up there in years. Reddick can be the true star pass rusher this team needs as they try to win a Super Bowl for the first time since 2012.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
