The Eagles reportedly gave the star pass rusher permission to seek a trade this offseason.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line could look vastly different heading into next season, as they might not have one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers flying off the edge.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that star pass rusher Haason Reddick has received permission from the Eagles to seek a trade.
If the Eagles traded Reddick this offseason, they could get a sizable haul in return, as he’s in prime right now and one of the better pass rushers in the NFL.
Here are a few teams that could be likely trade destinations for the two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher.
- Washington Commanders
After trading Montez Sweat to the Chicago Bears and Chase Young to the San Francisco 49ers this season, the Commanders need a premier pass rusher off the edge to help out new head coach Dan Quinn.
This season, the Commanders’ best rushers were defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (5.5 sacks) and defensive end Casey Toohill (5 sacks) sans Sweat and Young.
Washington can’t go into next season with Toohill as their best pass rusher off the edge, which is where Reddick comes into play. It would be shocking to see the Eagles trade with their NFC East rival, but that hasn’t stopped them in the past (i.e. Donovan McNabb).
The Commanders have a projected $83M in cap space for 2024 and nine draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to use in a trade. NBC Sports Philadelphia John Clark reported on Sunday that the Eagles will only do a deal with a team if the compensation and cap considerations make sense.
The Eagles could receive a couple of Day 2 picks from the Commanders and use them to add to the defensive line. As for the Commanders, Quinn would get a guy that he can trust to fly off the edge and get after the quarterback.
We saw what the former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator did with Micah Parsons, who plays a similar role as Reddick. If Washington wants to compete in the NFC East for the next few years, Reddick would be a nice start.
- Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons were in the running for Sweat in the regular season before Washington traded him to the Bears. Atlanta reportedly offered a second-round pick for the former first-round pick after initially offering a third-round pick with various conditions.
Therefore, if I’m the Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot, I might want to offer a Day 2 pick for Reddick as we try to get the Raheem Morris era started on the right foot. This season, Atlanta’s top sack leaders were Calais Campbell (6.5 sacks) and Bud Dupree (6.5 sacks).
Campbell and Dupree are set to become unrestricted free agents in March and might not return next season. If that’s the case, Reddick should be on the Falcons’ targets this offseason even though they have $29 million in cap space.
The Falcons are projected to have seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, including three picks on Day 2. Morris, who is a defensive-minded head coach, would love to add Reddick off the edge even though he’s 29 years old. However, it seems as if the veteran defensive lineman is in his prime and could be a difference-maker in the NFC South.
- Chicago Bears
The Bears’ defense went to another level after they acquired Sweat, who recorded six sacks and 14 quarterback hits in his first nine games with the team this season.
Could you imagine Chicago’s defensive line with Sweat and Reddick playing on opposite sides? That’s a scary proposition for any opposing quarterback who won’t have much time behind the line of scrimmage.
This season, the Bears’ defense was ranked 31st in sacks (30), 20th in quarterback hits (92), and 23rd in quarterback pressures (127). Simply put, Chicago needs more production off the defensive line, and Sweat can’t do it by himself.
The Bears are projected to have $48/$49 million this offseason, which is enough to add a player of Reddick’s caliber even if they re-sign cornerback Jaylon Johnson. However, Chicago only has six draft picks, with only one Day 2 pick.
