In the ever-evolving world of the NFL, player holdouts and trade requests are not uncommon. While stars like CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk have recently grabbed headlines with their contract negotiations, the situation surrounding New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick has been relatively subdued—until now. On Monday, Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler, officially requested a trade, bringing his holdout into the spotlight.
Rising Tensions: Haason Reddick’s Trade Request
CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones broke the news on social media platform X, stating, “Reddick has requested a trade from the Jets, source says. There have been no contract talks as Reddick hasn’t reported to camp, and now a trade request has been issued.” This revelation brings forth a new dimension to the Jets’ preseason preparations.
Interestingly, the New England Patriots find themselves in a similar situation with pass-rusher Matthew Judon. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “multiple teams have inquired about” Judon, signaling potential trade talks. While the Patriots might consider moving Judon—who declined an extension offer—the Jets have been firm about not trading Reddick. However, given their championship aspirations with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they might reconsider if a compelling offer comes along.
Potential Trade Scenarios for Haason Reddick and Matthew Judon
Cardinals’ Pursuit: Haason Reddick Trade Proposal
Cardinals Receive: Edge Haason Reddick
Jets Receive: Conditional 2026 Third-Round Pick
The Arizona Cardinals appear to be a logical destination for Reddick for multiple reasons:
Need for Pass-Rushing Talent: Arizona’s pass rush was anemic last season, with Dennis Gardeck leading the team with just six sacks. The injury to B.J. Ojulari, who tied for second with four sacks, further exacerbates the situation. While the Cardinals recently worked out former Jet Carl Lawson, Reddick would be a more impactful addition.
Familiarity with Coaching Staff: Head coach Jonathan Gannon previously worked with Reddick as the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, where Reddick had a career-high 16 sacks in 2022. This familiarity could facilitate a seamless transition.
Homecoming Factor: Reddick spent the first four years of his career in Arizona, making a return to the Cardinals a potential homecoming.
Given the Cardinals’ rebuilding phase, they would likely lean towards a picks-based trade package. New York’s investment in Reddick included a conditional 2026 third-round pick that could escalate to a second-rounder based on performance metrics. The Cardinals, with $31 million in effective cap space, could offer Reddick the long-term security he seeks.
Falcons’ Strategic Move: Acquiring Haason Reddick
Falcons Receive: Edge Haason Reddick, 2023 Third-Round Pick
Jets Receive: CB A.J. Terrell
The Atlanta Falcons are in a unique position following their acquisition of quarterback Kirk Cousins, which they hope will open a prolonged playoff window. However, the team’s pass-rushing woes persist, making Reddick an attractive option.
Need for Edge Rushers: Atlanta’s pass rush has been a long-standing issue, and the offseason losses of Calais Campbell and Bud Dupree only compounded the problem. Reddick could provide the dynamic edge presence the Falcons desperately need.
Trade Value: Offering cornerback A.J. Terrell, a reliable starter despite a recent dip in performance, could be a win-win. In 2021, Terrell was among the league’s best corners, allowing an opposing passer rating of just 61.0. While his efficiency has declined, pairing him with Sauce Gardner in New York’s defense could rejuvenate his career.
Cap Space Considerations: Terrell is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and extending him could be challenging given Atlanta’s limited cap space. Reddick’s addition would address the Falcons’ immediate needs, while the Jets could benefit from a quality cornerback.
Bears’ Interest: Matthew Judon Trade Proposal
Bears Receive: Edge Matthew Judon
Patriots Receive: 2025 Fifth-Round Pick, 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
The Chicago Bears have shown a willingness to trade for pass-rushing talent in the past, evident from their acquisition of Montez Sweat. Here’s why Judon could be a perfect fit for the Bears:
Complementing Existing Talent: The Bears are poised for significant improvement with the addition of first overall pick Caleb Williams. Adding Judon to complement Sweat could elevate Chicago from playoff hopefuls to serious contenders in the NFC North.
Cost-Effectiveness: Judon, at 31 and coming off a season-ending injury, might come at a lower price than Reddick. The Patriots, in a rebuilding phase, might prefer a trade package focused on draft capital.
Cap Space: With $20.4 million in effective cap space, the Bears can afford to offer Judon a raise over his current $6.5 million salary, addressing his contract concerns.
Lions’ Ambitions: Acquiring Matthew Judon
Lions Receive: Edge Matthew Judon
Patriots Receive: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, 2026 Fourth-Round Pick
The Detroit Lions, who nearly reached the Super Bowl last season, could outbid the Bears for Judon’s services:
Complement to Aidan Hutchinson: Detroit added Marcus Davenport and expects James Houston to return healthy, but Judon would further bolster their pass rush.
Cap Space and Budget: With $40.2 million in cap space, the Lions can afford either Judon or Reddick but might opt for the potentially cheaper Judon.
Addressing Patriots’ Needs: New England’s need for wide receiver help is evident, given their lackluster receiving corps. Including Donovan Peoples-Jones, who thrived under Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, could make the trade appealing for New England.
Rams’ Strategy: Matthew Judon Trade Proposal
Cardinals Receive: Edge Matthew Judon
Patriots Receive: Conditional 2025 Third-Round Pick
The Los Angeles Rams have shifted towards building through the draft but could consider adding a veteran like Judon to reload their pass rush following Aaron Donald’s retirement:
Enhancing Defensive Front: With recent draft picks Jared Verse and Brandon Fiske, the Rams have bolstered their defensive line but adding Judon could provide the veteran presence they need.
Cap Space Management: Judon’s contract demands might be more manageable for the Rams, who have $11.4 million in effective cap space.
Addressing Contract Issues: Hypothetical Trade with 49ers
Cardinals Receive: Edge Haason Reddick, 2025 Second-Round Pick, WR Malachi Corley
Jets Receive: WR Brandon Aiyuk
This trade scenario could resolve contract disputes for both teams:
49ers’ Contract Talks: San Francisco has re-engaged in contract negotiations with Aiyuk but might prefer flipping him for Reddick, who can form a formidable pass-rushing trio with Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
Jets’ Offensive Boost: Adding Aiyuk would provide Rodgers with another elite target, complementing Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
Contract Negotiations: Both teams would need to negotiate new contracts for their new players, potentially involving front-loaded deals given their cap space situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Haason Reddick request a trade from the Jets?
Reddick has been holding out for a new contract and has not reported to training camp, leading him to formally request a trade.
What are the potential landing spots for Haason Reddick?
Potential landing spots for Reddick include the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and possibly the San Francisco 49ers.
Why might the Patriots consider trading Matthew Judon?
Judon has declined a contract extension and multiple teams have shown interest in him, making a trade a viable option for the Patriots.
What could the Bears offer for Matthew Judon?
The Bears could offer draft picks, specifically a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick, to acquire Judon.
How could the Lions benefit from acquiring Matthew Judon?
Judon would bolster the Lions’ pass rush, complementing Aidan Hutchinson and potentially helping Detroit make a deeper playoff run.
What are the financial implications of these trades?
Teams like the Cardinals, Falcons, Bears, and Lions have varying cap space, which will influence their ability to offer long-term contracts to the traded players.
Conclusion
The NFL off-season is always rife with speculation and potential moves that could reshape teams’ fortunes. Haason Reddick’s trade request from the Jets and the ongoing contract standoff involving Matthew Judon of the Patriots have added intriguing subplots to the upcoming season. Whether it’s the Cardinals seeking a homecoming for Reddick or the Lions looking to strengthen their Super Bowl bid with Judon, these potential trades offer a fascinating glimpse into the strategic maneuvers teams might employ. As the regular season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how these situations unfold, potentially redefining the landscape of the NFL.
