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Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
The New York Jets, who were looking for an edge rusher after Bryce Huff left in free agency, acquired Haason Reddick in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Told.
According to sources, the Jets will conditionally send a 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles, which will improve to a 2026 second-round pick if Redick plays 67.5 percent and reaches 10 sacks. In 2023, Redick had 11 sacks and 38 tackles in 17 games. He played 74% of the defensive snaps.
Basically, the Jets and Eagles traded edge rushers. Huff, who led the Jets with 10 sacks last season, signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Eagles on the first day of free agency.
The Jets acquired Shaq Barrett and Jadeveon Clowney in free agency, who signed with the Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers, respectively.
Redick, 29, is getting a proven commodity for the Jets. He has 50.5 sacks over the past four seasons, the fourth-most sacks in the NFL. Redick and Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett are the only two players with at least 10 sacks in each of the last four seasons.
The downside to this trade is that the Jets are inheriting a large contract. Redick will be paid a base salary of $14.25 million in 2024, the final year of his contract. If they don't re-sign him and he leaves as a free agent next year, the Jets will get a compensatory draft pick in 2026.
Redick will also be paid a $1 million roster bonus on April 1st. The Jets are probably going to go for it if there's no renegotiation. It was originally scheduled for March, but the Eagles and Redick postponed it to facilitate a trade.
This is the latest in a series of winning moves by the Jets as they look to make the most of Aaron Rodgers' opportunity. They acquired tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, both 33, and added wide receiver Mike Williams, 29, who is recovering from ACL surgery.
The Jets are focusing on defensive end, and Redick joins starters Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers, as well as 2023 first-round pick Will McDonald. They also have backup Michael Clemons.
“The more the merrier,” manager Robert Saleh said this week at the league's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.
Typically, the Jets like to rotate four, sometimes five, defensive ends during a game. Redick's addition could have an impact on McDonald, who is expected to take on a bigger role after an unremarkable rookie year. Franklin Myers, who carries a $16.4 million cap charge, could also be affected. They might ask him about a pay cut.
The concern for Redick is that he slumped at the end of last season, going five games without a sack (including one game in the playoffs). The Eagles changed defensive coordinators during the season, which likely affected Redick's role and usage.
“All kinds of juice and gas off the edge. He's definitely a problem,” Saleh said of Redick before playing against the Eagles last season. “…He's definitely found new life on that front. He's dynamic. He's versatile. They can do a lot of different things with him, but he's a three-way rusher. He can win on the inside. He can win on the outside.'' He can run right through you. ”
