The Baltimore Ravens have a clear need for an edge rusher. They could be on the short-list of teams to inquire about New York Jets' edge rusher Haason Reddick if the price is right.
Reddick was moved from the Philadelphia Eagles to New York for a 2026 third-round pick. Reddick has posted 27 sacks over the past two years in Philly, making him one of the most dangerous players off the edge. His contract was set to expire after the 2024 season, but after the free agency addition of Bryce Huff, the Eagles moved on from the 29-year-old.
Since Reddick arrived in New York, it's been all downhill since his opening presser. He hasn't participated in OTAs, practices, workouts, or meetings. He's been absent, from everything. He wants a new contract with more guaranteed years which the Jets don't seem willing to give him. Additionally, he's amassed over $3 million in fines from the Jets for missing time with the team.
The Reddick saga in New York might come to an unceremonious end before it ever could begin.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report predicts that the Ravens will trade for Reddick before their Thursday Night kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs. The move would be quite interesting and very bold, indeed.
"They (the Ravens) are coming off of a great season in 2023, but they have a clear need for an edge rusher. Perhaps exchanging an unproven young player like David Ojabo for someone who can help right away would be appealing."Alex Ballentine
Reddick would be an awesome addition to a pass-rushing group that could use a boost. How should the Ravens view the situation with the Jets?
Should the Baltimore Ravens trade for New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick?
Ultimately, this will come down to two things - what are the Jets asking for and are the Ravens willing to pay him?
The Jets' asking price is part one of the puzzle. Ballentine suggests the Ravens trade linebacker David Ojabo for Reddick. The Jets might be more inclined to trade Reddick if they receive a valuable piece in return. However, it's hard to see the Jets give Reddick to the Ravens for just Ojabo. A Day 3 pick might have to be added on as well.
Ojabo has yet to hit the ground running. He's a young player who still has a lot of upside. He may never be as dynamic as Reddick, but there are other edge rushers out there who cost less in terms of trade value - heck, there are free-agent edge rushers who require no trading of assets at all.
Ultimately, if the cost to acquire him is worth it, they should move on to part two of the puzzle.
Would the Ravens pay Reddick if they acquired him? The Ravens lost defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers this offseason after sacking opposing QBs 9.5 times. That mark placed him second on the team behind defensive tackle Justin Madubuike with 13 sacks. When the offseason started, the organization wanted to retain Clowney but was weary that his new contract would price him out of Baltimore, which it did.
That tells you all that you need to know. If the Ravens weren't willing to pay Clowney, chances are they aren't looking to bring in Reddick and then give him the bag the following season. This team is filling up with quality young talent. The less future money spent on veterans, the easier it becomes to keep the young studs. For a forward-thinking franchise, this move just doesn't make much sense in the long run.
Reddick would be a nice addition to the team. However, he's already shown the league that he will ruin locker rooms and team dynamics if he doesn't get what he wants. Why trade away a potential valuable player for one who may never suit up, like he's been doing for the Jets?
The Ravens should not engage in trade discussions and instead find cheap help elsewhere. A free agent signing like defensive end Yannick Ngakoue would be a much better move than risking trade assets and future cap space on Reddick.