The Detroit Lions made two significant roster moves on Wednesday, officially activating EDGE Marcus Davenport and rookie guard Miles Frazier ahead of their Thanksgiving matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
The announcement came via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who reported, “The Lions also officially activated DE Marcus Davenport and G Miles Frazier.”
What Marcus Davenport Brings Back to Detroit
Davenport returns after battling injuries that have limited him to just two games this season. When healthy, the veteran pass rusher has been a disruptive force. Across his eight-year career, he’s totaled:
25.0 sacks
69 QB hits
28 tackles for loss
156 total tackles
The Lions have been looking for more juice off the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson, and Davenport’s power, length, and experience could be a massive boost for a defense preparing for a short-week rivalry game.
Miles Frazier Rejoins the Offensive Front
Frazier, the Lions’ 2025 fifth-round pick out of LSU and FIU, returns from injured reserve as Detroit continues to weather injuries along the offensive line. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, he’s a developmental mauler who fits the Lions’ physical identity.
With three starters banged up, including Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker, the timing couldn’t be better.
Why These Activations Matter
Detroit has been trying to get healthy, and this week finally brings reinforcements on both sides of the ball. Davenport adds rotational pressure, while Frazier provides needed depth on an O-line that has been grinding through injuries.
The Detroit Lions have released their final Week 12 injury report, and it confirms a tough slate of absences heading into Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants.
Detroit has officially ruled five players OUT, with another eight listed as questionable, as the team prepares for a critical stretch of three straight home games at Ford Field.
These five players did not practice all week (except Davenport and Paschal, who were limited early), and all have been officially ruled out.
QUESTIONABLE
Taylor Decker (T) – shoulder/rest
Khalil Dorsey (CB) – wrist
Graham Glasgow (C) – knee
Tate Ratledge (G) – knee
D.J. Reed (CB) – hamstring
Penei Sewell (T) – ankle
Isaac TeSlaa (WR) – oblique
Sione Vaki (RB) – ankle
Detroit’s offensive line is battered: Decker, Glasgow, Ratledge, and Sewell all carry questionable tags. The secondary has depth concerns too, with Reed and Dorsey banged up and Arnold/Joseph already ruled out.
CLEARED TO PLAY
Brian Branch (S) – toe
Malcolm Rodriguez (LB) – knee
Jacob Saylors (RB) – back
Brock Wright (TE) – ankle
All four players practiced fully on Friday and carry no game designation.
The Detroit Lions are hoping to get healthier on defense, and Dan Campbelldelivered one of his more encouraging injury updates in weeks. With the New York Giants coming to town for Week 12, Detroit appears to finally be getting some reinforcements.
D.J. Reed Trending Toward Playing This Week
Campbell opened by highlighting cornerback D.J. Reed, who has been fighting through a hamstring injury.
“D.J. Reed looks pretty positive,” Campbell said. “We’re gonna get him a week of work here and see where he’s at.”
Reed returning would be massive. Before going down, he was one of the Lions’ most reliable defensive backs, and Detroit’s secondary has missed his physical style and experience.
Malcolm Rodriguez Making Real Progress
Campbell also sounded upbeat when discussing linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, who’s worked tirelessly to get back on the field.
“Rodrigo is looking better, he’s getting better every day,” Campbell said, noting that Reed and Rodriguez are “the top of that list” of players most likely to return this week.
Rodriguez’s speed and physicality would be a big boost for the second level of Detroit’s defense.
Other Defensive Names on the Mend
Campbell didn’t stop there. He noted a handful of other defenders trending in the right direction:
“Marcus Davenport’s getting better.”
“Probably going to start Khalil Dorsey’s clock this week.”
“Josh Paschal was getting better. We’re kind of getting in a good place here.”
Even with several players still on injured reserve, the overall health arrow for this defense is finally pointing upward.
What About Kerby Joseph?
One of Detroit’s most important playmakers, Kerby Joseph, is improving, but Campbell isn’t yet ready to say he’ll be available for Week 12.
“He’s getting better, Campbell said. “I don’t know if I see him in this week, but he is getting better.”
Joseph returning at some point soon feels realistic, but the Lions clearly aren’t going to rush him.
The Lions will host the 2-9 New York Giants at Ford Field next week, and any combination of returning defenders would be a welcome lift for a team hungry to get back in the win column. Detroit’s defense has held strong despite injuries, and now it appears reinforcements may finally be coming at the perfect time.
The Detroit Lionsmade several roster designations on Saturday, officially ruling out four players ahead of Sunday night’s showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team confirmed that Miles Frazier, Marcus Davenport, Malcolm Rodriguez, and D.J. Reed have all been downgraded to OUT for Week 11. None of them will be activated from their respective injury lists.
Detroit also updated its injury report by adding rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who is now listed as questionable with an oblique injury.
This comes one day after the Lions ruled out Sam LaPorta, Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph, and Josh Paschal on Friday’s final injury report, meaning Detroit will head into Philadelphia short-handed on both sides of the ball.
With the Lions sitting at 6–3 and heading into one of the league’s toughest environments, health has quickly become one of the biggest storylines of Week 11.
TheDetroit Lions got a major boost on Wednesday as two key defensive starters returned to practice. Edge rusher Marcus Davenportand cornerback D.J. Reed were both spotted on the field for the first time in weeks, marking a huge step forward in their recoveries as the Lions prepare for their Week 11 showdown against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football.
Reed Returns at the Perfect Time
The Lions’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season, but help might finally be on the way. Cornerback D.J. Reed returned to practice Wednesday, opening his 21-day evaluation window to rejoin the 53-man roster.
Reed has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, and his absence has been felt. Before going down, he was off to a strong start, bringing leadership, consistency, and physicality to Detroit’s back end.
Now, with rookie Terrion Arnold in concussion protocol, Reed’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Whether he’s able to suit up Sunday night remains to be seen, but just having him back on the field is a major positive sign.
Marcus Davenport Returns to Bolster the Pass Rush
On the defensive line, Marcus Davenport also took the field Wednesday, returning from a chest injury that’s kept him sidelined since Week 2. The former first-round pick has battled through multiple injury-plagued seasons, but when healthy, he’s a difference-maker, particularly opposite Aidan Hutchinson in the Lions’ pass-rush rotation.
Davenport’s size and power give Detroit’s defensive front a different look, especially in obvious passing downs where his presence can draw extra attention away from Hutchinson. Getting him back for the stretch run could be a significant boost to Kelvin Sheppard’s defense, which is already trending upward after a dominant performance against Washington in Week 10.
Both Reed and Davenport now enter the 21-day evaluation window, giving the Lions flexibility. The team can activate either player to the active roster at any point during that period. If not activated by the end of three weeks, the Lions must choose between adding them to the 53-man roster or shutting them down for the season.
The Timing Couldn’t Be Better
The Lions are 6-3 and entering the toughest stretch of their schedule. They’ll travel to Philadelphia this weekend before hosting the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, two critical NFC matchups with playoff implications.
Detroit’s defense has held steady through a wave of injuries, but the potential return of two starters on opposite ends of the formation is a massive lift. Reed’s coverage ability and Davenport’s pass-rush presence could be exactly what this team needs as it looks to solidify its place among the NFC’s elite.
The Bottom Line
The Lions have weathered the injury storm, and now they’re starting to get reinforcements. With D.J. Reed and Marcus Davenport returning to practice, the defense just got stronger, and the timing couldn’t be better.
As noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Detroit’s front office has now committed $968.5 million, yes, nearly $1 billion, in long-term extensions to the players they believe form their championship nucleus.
That elite group includes Hutchinson, Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kerby Joseph, Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker, David Montgomery, and Jameson Williams.
In total, that’s nine players extended since spring 2024, which tells you one thing: the Lions are betting big on their homegrown core. But when you spend that kind of money to keep your stars, something has to give.
The Reality Check
The Lions’ front office deserves credit for its aggressive approach, but the side effect of nearly a billion dollars in commitments is that not everyone can stay.
The team’s stellar 2023 draft class, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch, will be eligible for extensions next offseason, and several veterans are set to hit free agency after 2025.
Here are four veterans who could be wearing new colors by the 2026 season.
1. D.J. Reader, DT
D.J. Reader has been an excellent veteran presence up front, helping set the tone in the run game while mentoring younger linemen. But at 31 and on a short-term deal, his days in Detroit could be numbered.
With Tyleik Williams waiting in the wings and Alim McNeill back healthy, the Lions may decide to save money and go younger at defensive tackle. Reader’s leadership has been invaluable, but Detroit’s track record suggests they prefer investing in players who haven’t yet reached their peak years.
Verdict: Reader’s run in Detroit will end after 2025 as the team transitions to its next wave of interior defenders.
2. Marcus Davenport, EDGE
When healthy (when is he healthy?), Marcus Davenport has flashed the ability to be a dominant pass rusher. The issue? Staying healthy.
The Lions took a calculated risk signing Davenport, but with Aidan Hutchinson now secured long-term, Al-Quadin Muhammad emerging as a solid pass rusher, and Ahmed Hassanein developing as a potential rotational edge piece, Detroit may not want to allocate additional resources here.
If Davenport doesn’t come back and deliver consistent production this season, it’s hard to imagine him earning a new contract.
Verdict: The Lions will move on from Davenport following the 2025 season.
3. Alex Anzalone, LB
Alex Anzalone has been one of Dan Campbell’s most trusted veterans since day one. He’s smart, dependable, and embodies the culture Detroit has built.
However, with Jack Campbell ascending into the leadership role and Derrick Barnes emerging as a very solid linebacker, Anzalone may become expendable purely due to cap and age.
Verdict: His leadership won’t be forgotten, but Detroit’s linebacker room is getting younger and cheaper.
4. Amik Robertson, CB
Few players have embraced the Lions’ “grit” mentality like Amik Robertson. His energy and physicality have made him a fan favorite, but with Terrion Arnold, Brian Branch, and D.J. Reed locked in, there may not be room to re-sign him in 2026.
Robertson has proven he belongs, but Detroit’s secondary is loaded with young, cost-controlled talent.
Verdict: A strong contributor, but likely a cap casualty when the next round of extensions hits.
Why It Matters
What’s happening in Detroit is both a blessing and a challenge. Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have built one of the NFL’s deepest rosters, full of drafted and developed stars.
But now, the Lions are entering the financial balancing act that every contender faces. When you commit nearly $1 billion in contracts, veterans on shorter deals become vulnerable.
The success of the 2025 and 2026 offseasons will depend on Holmes’ ability to draft and develop replacements just as effectively as he built the current core.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions have officially arrived as one of the NFL’s premier franchises, one that keeps its stars and rewards production. But with long-term commitments totaling $968.5 million, tough goodbyes are coming.
Players like D.J. Reader, Marcus Davenport, Alex Anzalone, and Amik Robertson could all be victims of Detroit’s success story.
In a way, that’s the best problem a franchise can have: too much talent worth keeping.
The Detroit Lions have released their final injury report ahead of Monday night’s highly anticipated showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, and the update features a mix of expected news and some lingering question marks.
Marcus Davenport Out
The biggest headline: defensive end Marcus Davenport (chest) has been ruled OUT. Dan Campbell already hinted that his veteran pass rusher was unlikely to play, and now it’s official. The Lions will once again look to Al-Quadin Muhammad and their rotation of young defensive linemen to pick up the slack opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Four Lions Questionable
While Davenport won’t suit up, four other key players are listed as questionable:
Jack Campbell (ankle): The third-year linebacker has been battling through a minor ankle issue. His availability could be crucial against a Ravens rushing attack that thrives on downhill runs with Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson’s mobility.
Taylor Decker (shoulder/rest): The veteran left tackle has been managing a shoulder injury while also receiving a bit of maintenance rest. Protecting Jared Goff’s blind side on the road in Baltimore is no small task, so his status will be one to watch.
Kerby Joseph (knee): The All-Pro safety has been limited in practice with a knee injury. His range on the back end would be a huge asset in slowing down the Ravens’ deep passing game.
D.J. Reed (knee): The cornerback addition is also questionable, leaving the Lions’ secondary depth in a bit of flux heading into primetime.
What It Means vs. Ravens
Detroit enters this matchup knowing Baltimore boasts one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, averaging 40.5 points per game through the first two weeks. Missing Davenport weakens the Lions’ ability to collapse the pocket, but Campbell has been vocal about his faith in the depth pieces stepping up.
The real swing factors, though, may be Decker and Joseph. If Decker can go, Goff should have more time to attack the Ravens’ secondary. If Joseph plays, Detroit’s defense will feel much more balanced on the back end.
Bottom line? The Lions will need all hands on deck for what could be one of their toughest games of the season.
The Detroit Lions will be without defensive end Marcus Davenportwhen they travel to Baltimore for Monday Night Football. Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed Saturday that the veteran pass rusher will miss Week 3 as he continues to battle a chest injury.
Speaking with reporters before practice, Campbell made it clear that while the setback is concerning, the team does not believe it’s a season-ending situation.
“I don’t see Davenport playing,” Campbell said. “We’re still trying to decide what to do. We’ve gotten some other tests back. We do not feel that this is season-ending, but I don’t see him playing this week.”
Al-Quadin Muhammad Next Man Up
With Davenport sidelined, the Lions are expected to lean more heavily on Al-Quadin Muhammad, who has already earned praise from the coaching staff for his steady play through the first two games. Muhammad recorded six pressures and a sack in Detroit’s Week 2 win over the Bears, proving he can step into an expanded role when needed.
No Panic from Campbell
Campbell stressed that he feels good about Detroit’s defensive line depth, even with Davenport out. He pointed to recent acquisitions and the improvement of younger players as reasons the Lions won’t scramble to add outside help.
“We’ll have a good idea of the timeline either today or tomorrow,” Campbell added.
Why It Matters
The Lions face a major challenge against Lamar Jackson and the explosive Ravens offense. Losing Davenport means Detroit will need even more from Aidan Hutchinson, D.J. Reader, and the rest of the front four to contain Jackson’s scrambling ability and keep Derrick Henry from controlling the ground game.
Still, Campbell’s confidence signals that while Davenport’s absence stings, the Lions believe their grit and depth can carry them through.
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens, and the team’s Week 3 injury report brings both encouraging news and lingering concerns.
Marcus Davenportcontinues to be the biggest question mark. The veteran EDGE rusher has yet to practice this week while dealing with a chest injury. His absence is becoming more notable by the day, and his chances of suiting up Monday are shrinking fast.
The good news for Detroit: Taylor Decker looks on track to return. After sitting out Thursday with a shoulder issue, the Lions’ veteran left tackle was a full participant Friday. His availability would be huge for protecting quarterback Jared Goff against Baltimore’s defensive front.
Jack Campbell (ankle), Kerby Joseph (knee), and D.J. Reed (knee) were all limited for the second straight day. Their statuses remain worth monitoring as the weekend progresses.
Meanwhile, Trevor Nowaske (elbow) and Sione Vaki (hamstring) were full participants Friday, signaling they should be ready to go.
Player
Position
Injury
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Game status
Marcus Davenport
EDGE
chest
NP
NP
Jack Campbell
LB
ankle
NP
LP
Kerby Joseph
S
knee
LP
LP
D.J. Reed
CB
knee
LP
LP
Taylor Decker
T
shoulder
NP
FP
Trevor Nowaske
LB
elbow
FP
FP
Sione Vaki
RB
hamstring
FP
FP
The Lions’ defense, in particular, could use all hands on deck against Lamar Jackson and an explosive Ravens offense averaging 40.5 points per game.
The Detroit Lions had a bit of good news on Friday’s injury front, and one notable absence.
According to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, linebacker Jack Campbell and left tackle Taylor Decker both returned to practice after missing time earlier this week. That’s a positive sign as Detroit prepares for its Monday night clash against the Baltimore Ravens.
But the bad news? Marcus Davenport was once again missing. The veteran defensive end has been dealing with a shoulder injury, and his chances of suiting up against Lamar Jackson and the league’s top-scoring offense appear slimmer by the day.
Campbell and Decker’s returns are big for Detroit. The Lions need Campbell’s physicality in the middle of the defense against Baltimore’s rushing attack, while Decker’s presence at left tackle is critical to protecting quarterback Jared Goff.
Still, the spotlight remains on Davenport. Without him, Aidan Hutchinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad will be counted on to generate pressure off the edge.
The Lions have shown resilience early in 2025, but going into Monday night shorthanded against a Ravens team averaging 40+ points per game is a tall order.
Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport is suddenly looking doubtful for Monday night’s primetime showdown against the Baltimore Ravens.
Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Davenport was seen in the locker room Friday afternoon with his right arm in a sling. He declined to give specifics on the injury, but the scene didn’t inspire much confidence.
“He couldn’t use his right arm to get up from the recliner he was in,” Birkett reported, adding that Davenport is “clearly not on track to play Monday.”
The veteran pass rusher has been battling through a shoulder issue since last week’s win over the Chicago Bears, and head coach Dan Campbell has already admitted the team likely won’t know his status until the end of the week.
If Davenport can’t go, expect Al-Quadin Muhammad to see a heavier workload opposite Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions also have young linemen like Tyrus Wheat and Tyler Lacy, but both have been inactive through the first two weeks.
For now, Detroit fans will have to brace for the possibility of facing Lamar Jackson and the league’s No. 1 scoring offense without one of their most physical edge defenders.
UPDATE: The Lions have now added CB D.J. Reed (knee) to the injury report. He was limited in today’s practice.
This coming Monday night, the Detroit Lions will look to move to 2-1 on the season when they head east to take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Similar to the Lions, who lost their first game of the year to the Packers before blowing out the Bears in Week 2, the Ravens also lost their Week 1 matchup (Bills) before getting back on track with a Week 2 win over the Browns.
Detroit Lions Injury Report
As the Lions continue to make their preparations for their Monday Night Football matchup against the Ravens, they have released their first injury report of the week.
Here is the Lions’ initial Week 3 Injury Report. As you can see below, there are certainly some concerns.
Player
Position
Injury
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Game status
Jack Campbell
LB
ankle
NP
Marcus Davenport
EDGE
chest
NP
Taylor Decker
T
shoulder
NP
Kerby Joseph
S
knee
LP
Trevor Nowaske
LB
elbow
FP
Sione Vaki
RB
hamstring
FP
Bottom Line
Most consider the Lions and Ravens as two of the top teams in the NFL, and it would not be surprising at all if this week’s matchup ends up being a preview of the Super Bowl. Do you think the Lions will take care of business on the road, or will the Ravens give them a rude awakening as they did when the two teams met in 2023?
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell isn’t ready to provide clarity on Marcus Davenport’s status just yet.
The veteran defensive end, who left Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears with a shoulder injury, is still undergoing medical evaluation. Campbell admitted during Thursday’s media availability that the team won’t know more until the week wraps up.
“We won’t know until the end of the week, we have doctors still looking at stuff,” Campbell explained.
Davenport has been a key piece in Detroit’s defensive rotation, lining up opposite Aidan Hutchinson and helping set the edge against the run. His potential absence for Monday night’s primetime showdown against the Baltimore Ravens would be significant, especially with Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability.
If Davenport is unable to go, Al-Quadin Muhammad is expected to see an expanded role. Muhammad already notched a sack and six pressures through two games and has drawn praise from Campbell for his relentless energy and ability to chase down plays.
Coach Campbell gives an injury update on Christian Mahogany and Marcus Davenport pic.twitter.com/rjBpkV6MCs
Detroit has also added depth pieces like Tyrus Wheat and Tyler Lacy, but both have been inactive on game days so far. The Lions’ staff appears confident that, even without Davenport, they can piece together enough production up front.
For now, though, all eyes remain on Davenport’s medical updates, and whether he’ll be ready to suit up when the Lions face one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
But head coach Dan Campbell isn’t panicking. In fact, he’s doubling down.
Campbell Confident in Depth
Appearing on 97.1 The Ticket for his weekly interview, Campbell was asked directly about the Lions’ depth at defensive end if Davenport can’t go. His response was blunt:
“Nothing new there. I mean, I’m probably not going to know till the end of the week,” Campbell said as quoted by Lions OnSI. But as far as depth, we’re good. We’re in a pretty good place here. We made some acquisitions. Brad (Holmes) did, right out of camp, so we’re pretty good depth-wise here. But, we’ll know more at the end of the week.”
Big Picture: Depth Tested Early
Right now, the Lions have just three proven defensive ends on the 53-man roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. That’s not ideal when facing mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, who has already thrown six touchdowns and rushed for 83 yards in two games.
Still, Detroit’s identity under Campbell has always been about “next man up.” Whether it’s Muhammad stepping into a bigger role, or younger names like Wheat and Lacy finding their way onto the field, the Lions are sticking to their plan.
Bottom Line
The fanbase may want a splash signing, but the Lions believe they’re good with what they’ve got. If Marcus Davenport misses time, expect Al-Quadin Muhammad to take on a heavier workload, and don’t be surprised if Campbell’s confidence in his depth proves justified.
Running back Sione Vaki is expected to be back with the Lions this week. His versatility has already made him a valuable depth piece, contributing on special teams, in gadget packages on offense, and providing support in the secondary.
For a team that thrives on flexibility, Vaki’s return adds another chess piece for Campbell and offensive coordinator John Morton to deploy.
Marcus Davenport’s Injury Update Still in Limbo
The outlook on Marcus Davenport wasn’t as positive. Campbell admitted there’s still no clear update on the veteran edge rusher, and the Lions “probably won’t know until the end of the week” if he’ll be available.
Detroit brought in Davenport this offseason to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, giving the Lions one of the more intimidating pass-rush duos in the NFC on paper. But injuries have slowed that plan, forcing depth players like Al-Quadin Muhammad into bigger roles. Campbell recently praised Muhammad for his relentless effort and consistency, a sign the coaching staff is preparing to keep leaning on him if Davenport remains sidelined.
Bottom Line: Vaki Helps, Davenport Wait Continues
The return of Sione Vaki is a welcome boost for the Lions’ depth, but the uncertainty surrounding Marcus Davenport remains frustrating. Detroit has proven it can win with the roster it has, but if Davenport gets healthy, this defense becomes even more dangerous. Until then, it’s a waiting game, and one the Lions hope ends before Monday night.
Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenporthas suffered yet another setback. During Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field, Davenport left the game and was seen heading to the locker room after getting up slowly following a holding penalty, per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic.
Davenport has battled injuries throughout his career, and his health has been a lingering concern for Detroit since he joined the team. Just last season, Davenport was limited to only two games in 2024, a frustrating campaign that raised questions about his long-term durability.
At this point, the severity of the injury is unknown, and no official update has been provided by the team. Fans and coaches alike will be anxiously awaiting word on whether Davenport can return to action or if the Lions may be forced to adjust their defensive rotation yet again.
While the Super Bowl was the perfect way to kick off the week, Eagles fans received some frightening news on Sunday.
Sources: #Eagles All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick has received permission to seek a trade following another disruptive season featuring double digit sacks. The 29-year old with 27 sacks over two seasons in Philly could land elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/WxIGTac24M
A panic was set in before the big game had even started. Would the Eagles really end up trading their star Defensive End?
Thankfully on Wednesday, some more information came out on this catastrophic situation.
Just spoke to #Eagles All-Pro pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who tells me he never requested a trade and he wants to stay in Philadelphia. “I would like to get an extension done here at home. At no point did I ever tell the organization I want to be traded.”
Reddick himself confirmed that HE was not the one to ask for the trade request. Which asks the question, where did the trade request come from?
Nothing New From Howie Roseman
There was more than enough reason to panic. Nothing like hearing your Defensive Player of the Year Finalist could be on a new team soon. But after the news was confirmed that Reddick wasn’t seeking the trade himself. Things began to make more sense, as this isn’t the first time the Eagles have gone about contract negotiations with a potential trade.
Just days before free agency of the 2023 season started. The Eagles and Darius Slay were in a similar situation. While the Eagles eventually cut Slay at the start of free agency. Only 1 day later, and Slay was back with Philly on a brand new 3 Year, $42 million deal.
Hopefully if this situation unfolds the same way. Reddick will find himself with a new contract, and a lengthy stay in Philadelphia.
On The Other Side Of The Coin
But what if the Eagles DID trade Haason Reddick? Currently, Reddick is the 21st highest paid edge rusher(per spotrac). Since joining the Eagles in 2022, let’s see how Reddick compares to some of the highest paid edge rushers.
($34M) Nick Bosa, 33 Games Played, 30 Sacks
($28M) T.J. Watt, 27 Games Played, 24.5 Sacks
($27M) Joey Bosa, 14 Games Played, 9 Sacks
($25M) Myles Garrett, 32 Games Played, 33 Sacks
($24.5M) Montez Sweat, 34 Games Played, 20.5 Sacks
($24M) Rashan Gary, 26 Games Played, 15 Sacks
($23.5M) Maxx Crosby, 34 Games Played, 27 Sacks
($23.5M) Khalil Mack, 34 Games Played, 25 Sacks
With 27.5 Sacks of his own, it’s clear enough that the contract Howie Roseman was able to get Reddick on was a highlight of the 2022 Off-season. Expecting to see an extension somewhere above the $25 Million average, the Eagles could be in an even longer off-season next year with Reddick, Sweat, Smith and Dickerson all due for large contracts.
The Last Huge Edge To Get Traded
It’s been almost 6 years since the Raiders traded Khalil Mack to the Bears. In his debut season with Chicago he put up 12.5 Sacks in only 14 games! The price to pay for a 27-year old Khalil Mack? Not only was it a 6-year, $141M contract. The Bears also received a 2020 2nd round pick (TE Cole Kmet) and a 2020 7th (OL Arlington Hambright) in the trade. However, Chicago sent 4 draft picks to the then Oakland Raiders which ended up becoming:
2019 1st (RB Josh Jacobs)
2019 6th (CB Blessuan Austin) – This pick was traded to the Jets, which resulted in a 2019 5th (WR Hunter Renfrow)
2020 1st (CB Damon Arnette)
2020 3rd (WR Bryan Edwards)
At the time of this trade, Mack was 27. However 4 years later, the Bears would get the following when they traded a 30-year old Mack to the Chargers:
2022 2nd (S Jaquan Brisker)
2023 6th (DL Scott Matlock) – This pick was traded back to the Chargers, which resulted in 2 2022 7th’s (S Elijah Hicks & P Trenton Gill)
With 1 season left on Reddick’s contract, the Eagles could end up with a 1st round pick and more. While losing the star edge rusher would leave 862 defensive snaps to fill, the Eagles could stock up on more draft picks and attempt to make a splash on upcoming free agents like Danielle Hunter, Chase Young or Marcus Davenport.
For the record, I’d love to keep Reddick as long as we can. However with him and Josh Sweat due in 2025, sometimes tough choices have to be made.
What would you do with this situation if you were in Howie Roseman’s shoes?
