The Philadelphia Eagles made a daring move to revamp the pass rush this season, reaching a peak in a trade that sent Haason Reddick to the New York Jets.
Now the focal point of the Jets’ reconstructed pass rush, Reddick had a message for both his former team and his new teammates he’ll be lining up with this autumn.
“I think I still have a lot of potential,” Reddick told reporters during his Jets introductory press conference.
Before parting with Reddick, in a trade that earned the Eagles a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which can become a second-rounder if Reddick meets various targets, Philadelphia allowed the 29-year-old to seek a trade in an effort to revamp a position group that struggled at the end of 2023.
Earlier this season, the Eagles signed Bryce Huff, modified Josh Sweat’s contract, and could see 2023 first-round pick Nolan Smith take on an expanded role in Reddick’s absence.
Likewise, trading Reddick could create an opportunity for Philadephia to select a younger and more affordable edge-rusher early in this year’s draft.
During his two seasons in an Eagles uniform, which included an outstanding 2022 campaign in which Reddick was a driving force behind a run to the Super Bowl, the Cherry Hill, New Jersey native racked up 27 sacks.
However, the Eagles were disappointed with how the pass rush finished last season, and as a result, signed Huff in free agency before dealing Reddick.
“As far as the Eagles go,” Reddick said. “It wasn’t about what he has left in the tank or anything like that. It’s a business and sometimes hard decisions have to be made, even if you don’t like them.”
NFL Executive Skeptical of Eagles’ Moves
The Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman have garnered significant praise for what has become a significant overhaul of the roster this offseason.
After all, Roseman’s free agency haul includes All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley, All-Pro linebacker Devin White, an ascending pass rusher in Huff, and key depth pieces such as linebacker Zack Baun and receivers Parris Campbell and DeVante Parker.
However, not everyone is convinced that adding marquee players in free agency will result in the Eagles taking major steps towards a return to a second Super Bowl in three seasons, out of the NFC.
“I just don’t know who they are,” an NFL exec told Mike Sando of The Athletic. “I think they lost their identity and lost their confidence. Teams say they want to build from the inside out, but you lost your two staple inside players in Kelce and Cox. Not only that, but those two guys were the culture guys. You lose those guys in a year when the head coach already has his back against the wall, I don’t see it ending well.”
The star power the Eagles added is undeniable. But, how new veterans blend into the Eagles’ culture and schemes, which will be called by two new coordinators, remains to be seen.
Jeffrey Lurie on Board With offseason’s Changes
The upcoming 2024 season could prove pivotal to Nick Sirianni’s future, but it is the changes this offseason that gives owner Jeffrey Lurie confidence.
Following a disastrous final six games of the 2023 season that saw the Eagles fall from a 10-1 start to losing, on the road, in the NFC Wild Card round, Sirianni replaced both coordinators early this offseason.
At the NFL Annual Meeting, Lurie praised Sirianni’s choice to hire Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator and Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator for the 2024 season.
“When we assessed our situation, Nick really emphasized the importance of having top-notch coordinators,” Lurie informed reporters in Orlando. “It was something that Nick was very committed to. I fully supported it. I shared the same view, but Nick's determination was crucial.
“I have faith in the people. I trust Nick and Howie. If Howie advises a change in our approach, I heed his words. When Nick suggests a more dynamic offense or a different direction for the defense, I pay attention because I trust him.”
Now, it's up to Sirianni to prove himself and fulfill Lurie’s trust.
