New wrinkle makes Haason Reddick trade to Falcons unlikely

Leave a Comment / Falcons, NFL Trade Rumors / By /
Terry Fontenot Falcons

The NFL trade deadline isn’t for another few weeks, but that hasn’t stopped blockbuster deals from happening. First, it was Davante Adams, who the Raiders sent to the Jets; then, it was Amari Cooper, who the Bills acquired from the Browns.

It’s not just pass catchers, though. Rumors are flying, with the Eagles giving Haason Reddick permission to seek a trade. The Falcons have an obvious need for a premier pass rusher. They also have the draft compensation for pulling off such a deal, and the future cap space for a subsequent contract extension.

However, there’s a significant roadblock to a future trade coming to fruition. Josina Anderson reported earlier today that the Eagles will get a 2026 second-round pick from the Jets if Haason Reddick gets traded to an NFC team.

That’s a significant hurdle to overcome if you’re the Falcons, and one they’re not likely to overcome. Essentially, Terry Fontenot would have to pay a premium for Reddick’s services and then fork over a hefty contract extension.

I’d argue that the Falcons are in a position to overpay, whether it’s in the form of draft compensation or a contract. The pass rush is the worst in football, and Fontenot has shown no ability to draft pass rushers or any position, for that matter, consistently. Arnold Ebiketie isn’t going to suddenly turn into a premier edge rusher. Neither is Lorenzo Carter or any of the Falcons rookies.

The Falcons have to stop coming up short in these negotiations. Eventually, something must change. Fontenot lost out on Montez Sweat at last year’s deadline. If it happens again in a similar manner, Falcons fans have a right to be upset because this is a team that is a couple of pieces away from seriously competing in a wide open NFC.

—

Photographer: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire

Scroll to Top
%d bloggers like this: