The Detroit Lions made a significant move this offseason by signing veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, hoping he would be the pass-rushing partner to Aidan Hutchinson they’ve been searching for.
However, Davenport is now sidelined for the season due to an elbow injury, which has led some analysts to suggest the Lions explore trade options for a replacement. Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder proposed that the Lions could target New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is rumored to be on the trade block due to ongoing contract issues.
Reddick, who has not yet played this season because of a contract dispute, is increasingly speculated to be a trade candidate as the Jets consider moving on from him.
Lions Eyeing Marcus Davenport’s Replacement Holder highlighted that the Lions may need to act quickly to address the hole left by Davenport, who was placed on injured reserve on September 24 after suffering a season-ending torn tricep injury.
“Davenport’s injury is a tough blow for the Lions, as he was expected to be the defense’s second edge rusher, easing the load on Aidan Hutchinson,” Holder wrote in a September 30 article. “With that spot now vacant, the front office should explore a possible trade with the Jets.”
Reddick’s contract demands could align with Detroit’s future plans, as he is currently in the final year of a three-year, $45 Million deal. Holder noted that this situation could work in Detroit’s favor.
“Reddick wants a contract extension before playing, and since Davenport is on a one-year contract, the Lions will need to address the edge rusher position in the offseason anyway,” Holder explained. “Trading for Reddick could solve both short-term and long-term needs for Detroit.”
Some, like Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, also view Detroit as a prime landing spot for Reddick, with Knox naming the Lions and Arizona Cardinals as potential destinations. Knox echoed Holder’s sentiment, noting that Reddick would not only replace Davenport but also strengthen a weak spot in the Lions’ defense.
“Bringing in Reddick would give the Lions a top-tier edge rusher alongside Hutchinson, helping to solidify a defense that struggled against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4,” Knox said.
While the Lions have not publicly expressed any interest in Reddick, their early season ambitions of contending for a Super Bowl could increase the urgency to find a solution for their defensive issues.
More Options for the Lions Though a trade for Reddick could happen later in the season, Jimmy Liao of USA Today’s Lions Wire suggested a quicker fix for filling Davenport’s role.
“Davenport was signed to a 1-year deal to help stabilize the edge rusher position opposite Hutchinson,” Liao wrote. “With him out, players like Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have a chance to step up.”
The Lions have struggled to maintain a consistent pass rush aside from Hutchinson, who has accounted for 6.5 of the team’s 11 sacks this season. Onwuzurike has contributed 1.5 sacks, while no other player has recorded more than one.
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