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Haason Reddick is a free agent once again. One spring after inking a one-year, $6 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, the linebacker is free to sign wherever he chooses.
The Arizona Cardinals selected Reddick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, they decided against picking up his fifth-year option, allowing him to join the Panthers on a short-term, “prove-it” deal. He enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Panthers, logging 11 sacks, 44 pressures, 22 quarterback hurries, and 18 quarterback hits.
A speedy pass rusher, the 27-year-old Reddick will be a hot commodity on the open market. The rebuilding Panthers may struggle to retain his services, so let’s examine the three best free-agency fits for the EDGE defender.
Haason Reddick Free Agency Landing Spots
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Upgrading the defensive line will be a major priority this offseason for the Eagles. With that in mind, could they look to add Reddick?
The Eagles accumulated 29 sacks last year, the second-fewest in the NFL. Reddick, meanwhile, has been a sack machine in recent years, registering 23.5 sacks from 2020-21. In fact, the former Temple University superstar is one of only five players to produce 10+ sacks in each of the past two seasons.
Players with 10+ sacks in each of the last 2 seasons…
• TJ Watt
• Aaron Donald
• Myles Garrett
• Trey Hendrickson
• Haason Reddick— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) February 25, 2022
Not one player on the Eagles recorded eight or more sacks last year. They need more individual talent on the defensive line. The Eagles were by no means a blitz-heavy team last season but defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon could change that philosophy if he adds more speedy players like Reddick.
2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks must improve their defensive pass rush. They ranked 20th overall in team pass rush win rate (39%) last season. They need a player to provide consistent pressure on the opposing QB, and Reddick can be that guy. He was ranked among the best pass rushers by EDGE defenders.
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Highest pass rush win rate this season for EDGE defenders, (stat from @ESPN)
1. Myles Garrett – 28%
𝟮. 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁 – 𝟮𝟲%
3. TJ Watt – 25%
3. Robert Quinn – 25%
5. Haason Reddick – 24%
5. Jadeveon Clowney – 24%
5. Nick Bosa – 24%
𝟴. 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗸 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘁 – 𝟮𝟯% pic.twitter.com/d45j7czMZN— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) January 7, 2022
Possessing elite athleticism and versatility, Reddick can fortify the Seahawks pass rush that has been lackluster in recent seasons. Sportac currently places Reddick’s annual market value at $15.3 million. With the seventh-most cap space available entering free agency, the Seahawks would be wise to shell out some dough to the underrated linebacker.
1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have plenty of electrifying talent on defense. Their secondary, in particular, is among the league’s best—headlined by All-Pro safety Justin Simmons and rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
While their secondary is elite, the defensive unit must augment its pass rush. Reddick is an ideal fit to pair opposite Bradley Chubb, who disappointed during an injury-marred 2021 campaign. Chubb had zero sacks in seven games played. The addition of Reddick could be helpful to Chubb’s development.
The Broncos are reportedly looking to obtain pass rushers in “any way they can,” according to NFL Network’s James Palmer. Specifically, pass rushers gifted with speed are at the top of the list for the Broncos, and Reddick certainly fits the bill in that category.
Hasson Reddick is one of the most versatile players on the Carolina #Panthers defense. Can drop into coverage and do that fairly well while also rushing the passer really well. Same swim move Burns used earlier in the game. The speed of the Panthers pass rush is F U N. pic.twitter.com/HV3dPINmnO
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) September 14, 2021
In the pursuit of pass rush assistance, the Broncos should ink Haason Reddick to a multi-year contract. Currently holding the fifth-most salary cap space entering free agency, they have the resources to nab the talented stud on the open market.
