Vikings Pass Rush Fix Could Be Available via Trade
The Minnesota Vikings have various defensive line items to address this offseason — from extending Danielle Hunter’s contract, identifying and obtaining a second starting outside linebacker, to possibly onboarding a new defensive tackle.
Vikings Pass Rush Fix Could Be Available via Trade
Re-upping with Hunter isn’t totally a no-brainer, either, so the Vikings’ to-do list could become even more complicated if Hunter signs with a new team in free agency.
But one outsider could be a part of the fix via trade and enhance the EDGE position: Haason Reddick of the Philadelphia Eagles.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted on Super Bowl Sunday, “Sources: Eagles All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade following another disruptive season featuring double digit sacks. The 29-year old with 27 sacks over two seasons in Philly could land elsewhere.”
Reddick has not been formally linked to the Vikings in the rumor mill, but depending on his trade pricetag, he could, in theory, serve adeptly as the other starting outside linebacker next to Hunter. He’s the same age as Hunter, will turn 30 in September, and banked 11 sacks in 2023. Reddick hasn’t missed a game due to injury or otherwise since 2019.
Of course, the trade price would have to be right for the Vikings or another team. He won’t be cheap. Reddick can probably be obtained for a late-2nd-Rounder or 3rd-Rounder in April’s draft, and his new team would foot his contract’s bill. The two-time Pro Bowler has one year left on current contract and a $21.8 million cap number on deck for 2024. Although, the Eagles would be on the hook for much of his dead cap hit if he were traded before June 1st.
On Tuesday, Reddick pushed back on any trade narratives, claiming he wanted a new contract with the Eagles. It’s unlikely that Rapoport would flatly conjure the trade theory for giggles, so we shall see what gives in the following couple of months.
Reddick also said, “I do understand it’s a business. Preparing for whatever is next.”
For now, the Vikings have two outside linebackers under contract in 2024: Patrick Jones II and Andre Carter II. Retaining Hunter would lessen any defensive anxiety this offseason, and a player like Reddick would generate excitement among the Vikings fanbase, especially if he and Hunter patrolled the edges of the line next season.
Since the start of 2020, Reddick ranks fourth in the NFL in sacks with 50.5, only trailing T.J. Watt (62.0), Myles Garrett (58.0), and Trey Hendrickson (53.0).
Reddick was a 1st-Round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He graded a 75.2 from Pro Football Focus last season.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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