The Detroit Lions have been exceeding fans’ expectations at the start of the 2024 NFL season.
Currently, the Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell in his fourth year, hold a 3-1 record and are sitting in second place in the NFC North, trailing the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions have excelled at stopping the run, allowing only 90.8 rushing yards per game. However, their passing defense has been less effective, ranking 27th in the league and giving up 258.3 passing yards per game. They have recorded just 11 sacks so far, with 6.5 of those coming from standout player Aidan Hutchinson.
Former Minnesota Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond has suggested a potential trade that could strengthen Detroit’s pass defense.
In an article from the 33rd Team, Diamond predicts that the Lions might acquire former All-Pro pass rusher Haason Reddick from the New York Jets. He believes the Lions could make the deal by giving up only a late-round draft pick.
“A better pass rush will help the young corners, like first-rounder Terrion Arnold,” Diamond wrote. “They are missing a third-round pick in next year’s draft, but it may only take [Detroit] a fourth or fifth-rounder to get Reddick from the Jets, who probably want to rid themselves of his contract drama.”
If Detroit does trade for Reddick, they would likely need to negotiate an extension before he plays. Reddick is currently in the final year of his three-year, $45 million contract and hasn’t played for the Jets this season as he waits for a contract extension.
The Lions’ need for a defensive boost has grown after losing defensive end Marcus Davenport, who is likely out for the season. Bringing in Reddick could be a significant move for the team.
Reddick, who has previously played for the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles, has a total of 410 tackles and 58 sacks in his seven-season NFL career. His standout year was in 2022, where he recorded 16 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three recoveries.
Adding Reddick to the roster would instantly elevate the Lions’ defense, providing an upgrade over current defensive ends Josh Paschal and Levi Onwuzurike, who have combined for only 1.5 sacks this season, all of which were by Onwuzurike.
