According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Philadelphia Eagles have wasted little time in exploring the legal tampering period. They’re signing local-town hero, Hasson Reddick and bringing home the veteran pass-rusher.
As you probably know, Reddick played his collegiate ball at Temple before winding up in Carolina and has made a living at getting after the QB. He has totaled 23.5 sacks in two short years. After signing a one-year deal with the Panthers last offseason, he entered the free-agent market to find a more sustainable long-term contract and this fit was too snug for the Eagles to pass up.
Reddick plays predominately in a pass-rushing linebacker role of a 3-4 defense. However, we know that Jonathan Gannon experimented with Genard Avery as a pass-rushing linebacker and stand-up defensive end. There is every chance that Reddick moves down to the EDGE position, filling a huge need for Philadelphia. Or, he can play in a hybrid role, making just as much of an impact. It’s unlikely that Howie would’ve thrown $30M in guaranteed money his way if there wasn’t a visible fit.
However, the truth is simple. The Eagles desperately needed help in the pass-rush after ranking 28th in sacks per game, averaging a lowly 1.8. They bring in a veteran who not only is explosive off the line, but had the 6th most sacks of any player last year. At just 27-years-old, he fits Howie’s free-agent prototype perfectly, and comes at a very attractive price.
This is an absolute win-win for the Eagles.
Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
