Detroit Scrambles to Replace Star Edge-Rusher, Looks to Trade Market

The Detroit Lions are facing a major setback following the loss of their star edge-rusher, Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered a fractured leg during their dominant 47-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson, one of the key contributors to the Lions’ defense, leaves a significant void in the team’s pass-rushing capabilities, a challenge the team is urgently looking to address. His absence creates a 6-foot-7, 260-pound gap on the defensive line that Detroit must fill as the regular season continues.

Lions Eyeing the Trade Market

With Hutchinson accounting for nearly half of the Lions’ sack production, speculation is rife that the team is aggressively scouring the trade market for a viable replacement. NFL analysts have highlighted potential candidates such as Maxx Crosby, Von Miller, Azeez Ojulari, and Za’Darius Smith. However, one name stands out as the top target for Detroit: New York Jets edge-rusher Haason Reddick.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently revealed that Reddick tops his trade board for the Lions, and it appears Detroit is already making moves in that direction. According to Fowler, Detroit has inquired about Reddick’s availability, positioning him as a potential solution to bolster their defense.

“Haason Reddick would be an obvious player the Lions can inquire about, and I’ve been told they have reached out,” Fowler reported. “Reddick’s recent hiring of agent Drew Rosenhaus, who is known for getting deals done expeditiously, could improve his chances of either staying with the Jets or facilitating a trade.”

Reddick as a Solution

Reddick’s current situation adds fuel to the speculation. The 30-year-old pass-rusher has yet to take the field for the Jets this season, holding out for a new contract after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason. With the Jets granting him permission to speak with other teams, a move to Detroit could be mutually beneficial. The Lions need a capable edge-rusher to replace Hutchinson, and Reddick could be enticed by the prospect of a new deal and a fresh start with a team that’s quickly rising in the NFC.

Hutchinson’s injury, which robbed the Lions of his league-leading 7.5 sacks, 45 pressures, and 26 hurries, creates an immediate need for a player of Reddick’s caliber. While losing Hutchinson is a significant blow, acquiring Reddick would soften the impact and keep Detroit’s defense competitive. In fact, aside from possibly landing Maxx Crosby, Reddick might be the best option available.

Proven Production

Over the last four seasons, Reddick has proven himself as one of the league’s most consistent edge-rushers. He has recorded 55 or more pressures and 35 or more hurries in three of the past four seasons, along with double-digit sack totals in each of the last four years. With 11 or more sacks in those consecutive seasons, Reddick brings a level of production that would make him a seamless fit into Detroit’s defensive scheme.

For the Lions, the potential acquisition of Reddick represents more than just plugging a hole—it’s a statement of their intention to compete at the highest level. As the trade deadline approaches, the focus now shifts to whether Detroit can finalize a deal with New York and bolster its defense with a player who has proven his ability to get to the quarterback.

With Hutchinson sidelined, the Lions’ playoff hopes rest heavily on finding the right replacement. Haason Reddick just might be that answer.