Reddick Responds

Haason Reddick set the record straight Tuesday on social media – he hasn’t requested a trade from the Eagles.

Reddick on X (formerly Twitter) posted that he’s still hoping to work out a new deal with the Eagles as he enters the third and final year of the contract he signed in 2022.

The statement comes in the aftermath of Sunday’s report from the NFL Network that the Eagles have given him and his representation permission to seek a trade.

Never asked for a trade. However, I do understand it’s a business. Preparing for whatever is next! https://t.co/KwNaAUl7HO

— Haason 7 Reddick (blue check) (@Haason7Reddick) February 13, 2024

Reddick’s response, though, doesn’t necessarily debunk the NFL Network report.

This is a case where both facts can be true at the same time – that Reddick has simply asked for a fair-market extension, and that the Eagles have told his reps to see what the market is for Reddick’s services.

As Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher noted in Monday’s “Inside The Birds” podcast, Reddick’s $15 million average per year (APY) is far from the market’s top pass rushers, in some cases by more than $10 million per year, but also Reddick will turn 30 in September and doesn’t have much leverage unless he’s willing to hold out all season.

Here’s a list of the NFL’s highest-paid edge rushers, per overthecap.com:

Reddick signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Eagles in free agency before the 2022 season after posting 23 1/2 sacks in the previous two seasons – 12.5 in 2020 with Arizona and 11 in 2021 with the Panthers.

In 20202, he erupted for 16 sacks and an NFL-leading five forced fumbles, earning second-team All Pro and helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl. He became the first player in league history to have double-digit sacks in three straight years with three different teams.

Reddick made it known in August during training camp that he felt his play warranted a pay bump even going into the second year of his deal. He didn’t practice for the first few days of camp – the team called it a groin injury – but eventually got onto the practice field and let it be known that he felt underpaid.

The start of his 2023 season was slowed by recovery from thumb surgery. He didn’t have a sack through the first three weeks but then posted at least one sack in three straight games and six of his next seven.

Season-long turmoil on defense led to a change in play-callers but Reddick still finished with 11 sacks for his fourth straight double-digit total. He also finished with 13 tackles for a loss – two more than his 2022 season – and 23 QB hits, just three off his ’22 mark.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.