Eagles Trade Haason Reddick To Jets For Conditional 2026 Pick
When the season ended back in January, we assumed Haason Reddick would be back. But then a few weeks later, it came out the the Eagles gave him “permission to…
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 21: Haason Reddick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts during the second quarter against the New York Giants in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)When the season ended back in January, we assumed Haason Reddick would be back. But then a few weeks later, it came out the the Eagles gave him "permission to seek a trade." The truth was actually that Haason Reddick wanted a new contract, and the Eagles weren't quite willing to give him what he wanted. They hoped he would go out, not hear what he wanted to hear and come back willing to accept whatever they were offering. That was not the case.
The Eagles have traded Reddick to the Jets for a conditional 2026 3rd-round draft pick. It could turn into a 2nd if Haason Reddick plays 67.5% of the snaps and has at least 10 sacks. Given Reddick's history, it is likely those conditions will be met. But a 2nd round pick 3 drafts from now for one of the NFL's Elite Edge Rushers is still a disappointing return.
The move does not save them much in terms of cap space. Because of a massive dead cap hit, you only save $1.3 million. And you don't get a pick that will help you this season either.
How It Went Wrong With Haason Reddick
Reddick's contract with the Eagles put up outside the top 15 Edge-Rushers in terms of money. That is despite Haason Reddick being one of just a few players with double-digit sacks in each of the last 4 seasons. He was the Eagles' only pass rusher with double-digit sacks last season. He may not be as good against the run as some of his fellow elite pass rushers, but he is still one of the best edge rushers in the league.
The Eagles clearly hope that Bryce Huff can step up in Reddick's stead and that Nolan Smith and Josh Sweat will give them more than they did last season. But Sweat disappeared late in the season, and Smith failed to make much of an impact at all his rookie season. Moving one of the most consistent pass rushers, to bet on less sure things, is taking a massive risk.
The Jets were not willing to pay Huff. But they would give up a future draft pick and pay Haason Reddick more money. Read from that what you will, but for me, that tells you about the difference in quality between those two players.
With so many other needs for the Eagles, it is a questionable move. Especially given they didn't get that much back for Reddick.
Your Edge Rush room was the one spot on the defense where there were no question marks. Now you can't even say that. This move made the Eagles worse.
