BRUTALLY NEWS: Eagles hope for 2024 offseason trade.
Ravens have identified Eagles’ $45 million Pro Bowler as their “dream offseason trade” target.
Although general manager Eric DeCosta will need to keep a watch on the trade market for any major names that may become available, the Baltimore Ravens will undoubtedly be aggressive in free agency this summer. Haason Reddick, the standout pass-rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles, is one of those names that might be traded this offseason.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, in his piece “Dream Offseason Trade Scenario for Every NFL Team,” the defensive end Reddick would be a prime candidate for a trade to the Ravens.
“The Baltimore Ravens had the best scoring defense in the NFL in 2023, but quite a few changes are likely,” Knox wrote.
The Ravens’ 23 available free agents this offseason and the limited financial room they have to deal with are major factors in many of the moves.
Defense captains Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney, and Geno Stone are expected to enter free agency, and they lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald when he accepted a head coaching position with the Seattle Seahawks, Knox noted.
Furthermore, with DT Justin Madubuike possibly leaving this season, their defensive line could suffer a major blow. “Clowney, Kyle Van Noy, and Brent Urban all set to be free agents,” Knox adds.
Reddick made the All-Pro Second Team twice, is a two-time Pro Bowler, and placed fourth in the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year vote. Teams will grab hold of the chance to acquire a player of his caliber when it presents itself.
In his brief career, the standout linebacker has forced 16 fumbles, 58.0 sacks, and 99 quarterback hits.
The majority of the Ravens’ league-leading sack defense from 2023 may need to be replaced. “Fortunately, a top-tier sack artist just might be available,” Knox wrote.
Haason Reddick’s Availability Presents a Perplexing Predicament
Knox used the word “might” since it’s possible that Reddick’s availability is now unclear.
“All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade following another disruptive season featuring double digit sacks,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on Sunday, February 11, ahead of the Super Bowl.
On Tuesday, February 13, Reddick reacted to his own comments by saying, “Never asked for a trade.” I am aware that it is a business, though. Getting ready for whatever comes next!
However, Knox adds that it appears the Eagles would prefer to trade for him based on the mixed message.
The 29-year-old, who was first selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 NFL Draft, recently concluded his second season in Philadelphia, where he recorded 11.0 sacks. Reddick recorded double-digit sacks for the fourth consecutive season; his career high of 16.0 came in 2022.
It seems strange that the Eagles would be trying to cut lose a pass rusher in his prime, while it is unclear if there is bad blood between the team and Reddick. After departing the Carolina Panthers, Reddick signed a three-year, $45 million contract, which he will soon be entering its last year.
