Addressing a stagnant pass rush stands out as a prominent challenge for New England Patriots’ head coach Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.
The task becomes even more daunting if Josh Uche departs during the 2024 NFL free agency. However, the Patriots might find a solution in acquiring Pro Bowler Haason Reddick to fill the void at outside linebacker.
Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggest that Reddick has become available for trade by the Philadelphia Eagles. This development follows speculation by Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo, who noted that despite Reddick’s impressive performance of 16 sacks in 2022, he opted to play out the second year of his three-year contract rather than seeking an extension, hinting at his anticipation for a substantial contract in the upcoming season.
If the Eagles and Reddick are indeed parting ways, the Patriots shouldn’t be deterred by Reddick’s potential salary demands or the Eagles’ trade expectations. This is especially true considering the Patriots’ favorable financial position, as highlighted by Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports, who pointed out that the Patriots boast more projected cap space than all but two teams in the league.
Furthermore, the Patriots’ defensive scheme, characterized by a hybrid 3-4 defense, could be particularly appealing to Reddick. His addition to the roster could effectively mitigate the potential departure of free-agent outside linebackers like Josh Uche.
While specifics regarding the potential trade for Reddick remain undisclosed, it’s imperative for the Patriots to explore any opportunity to acquire a prolific pass-rusher who has amassed an impressive 51 sacks over the past four seasons.
Should the New England Patriots want to compete in the AFC next season, they will need to get aggressive. A move for Reddick would certainly be a nice step in the direction towards contention.
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