The Chicago Bears have a significant gap in their roster that can only be addressed by acquiring a proven pass rusher.
That’s where New York Jets outside linebacker Haason Reddick fits in. The Philadelphia Eagles traded him earlier this offseason, and now the Jets are considering a similar move.
Reddick, a former All-Pro in 2022 and a two-time Pro Bowler, is entering his 30th year and the final season of a $45 million contract. The main issue prompting Reddick’s trade request is his desire for a new contract reflecting his performance over the past four years at a top position.
Currently, it seems the Jets are unwilling to meet Reddick’s demands, potentially allowing a team like Chicago, which is in need of an edge rusher, to make a more enticing offer than the conditional third-round pick they sent to the Eagles for Reddick in April.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department recommended on August 19 that the Bears act on this opportunity. The column highlighted the immediate and long-term needs of all 32 NFL teams, suggesting Chicago GM Ryan Poles should contact Jets GM Joe Douglas to explore the possibility.
With a projected $38.3 million in cap space for the offseason, the Bears have the financial flexibility to offer Reddick the extension he seeks while strengthening their edge position opposite Montez Sweat.
Bears and Haason Reddick Partnership Could Be Ideal for Both Parties
The Bears have expressed interest in adding a top-tier edge rusher, finishing second in the trade race for former New England Patriots sack artist Matthew Judon. Judon ultimately joined the Atlanta Falcons, who sent New England a third-round pick in return. However, securing Haason Reddick could be an even better outcome for Chicago.
Reddick is two years younger than Judon and has maintained impressive health throughout his career, missing only one regular-season start in seven years. In contrast, Judon missed 13 games last season due to a torn biceps and is also seeking a multiyear extension.
To acquire Reddick, the Bears might need to offer more than they would have for Judon, as the Jets will likely want to recover the conditional third-round pick they sent to Philadelphia, which could potentially become a second-round pick. The Bears could meet this demand by offering their second-round pick, expected to be in the mid-40s to early-60s range depending on their season record. Chicago also holds the Carolina Panthers’ second-round selection, potentially providing an additional early pick to bolster their roster.
The Bears have already demonstrated their willingness to invest in top-edge rushers, trading a second-round pick to the Washington Commanders for Montez Sweat before last year’s trade deadline, and then signing Sweat to a four-year, $98 million extension.
Jets Urged to Part Ways with Haason Reddick
There’s a case to be made for the New York Jets moving on from Haason Reddick before the situation worsens.
Andrew Siciliano, previously of NFL Network, presented this viewpoint while guest-hosting the “Rich Eisen Show” on August 13.
“If I were the Jets, I’d just cut him loose. You’re going to have to deal with this. It makes you look bad, and there’s no way around it,” Siciliano stated. “It reflects poorly on him as well, and while the specifics of the discussions behind the scenes aren’t clear, you traded for a player without a deal in place. You should always finalize the contract before making a trade.”
Reddick has consistently been a strong performer, recording at least 11 sacks in each of the last four seasons and setting a career high with 16 sacks in 2022. Over his career, he has accumulated 58 sacks and 69 tackles for loss in 114 regular-season games, according to Pro Football Reference.
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Bears Urged to Act Fast, Offer Trade for $45 Million All-Pro Edge Rusher
