This offseason, the Detroit Lions made a significant move to strengthen their defensive line by signing veteran edge rusher, aiming to provide support to Aidan Hutchinson in their pass rush, a need they’ve had for two years.
Unfortunately, Davenport is now sidelined for the entire season due to an elbow injury, prompting some analysts to recommend that the Lions explore trade options for a replacement. Matt Holder from Bleacher Report suggested they could pursue disgruntled New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick, who is seen as a strong candidate to be traded before the upcoming deadline.
Reddick has not played for the Jets this season because of a contract dispute, which has fueled speculation that the team might cut their losses and move him.
Holder pointed out that the Lions might need to make a significant acquisition to fill the gap left by Davenport, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve on September 24 with a torn tricep.
“Losing Marcus Davenport for the season is a tough blow for the Lions, as he was expected to be the second edge rusher and alleviate some pressure on Aidan Hutchinson,” Holder noted in a September 30 article. “This leaves them in a tough spot, so the front office should consider a trade with the Jets.”
Holder also mentioned that Reddick’s quest for a new contract aligns with Detroit’s long-term plans for the edge rusher position, as Reddick is in the final year of a three-year, $45 million deal.
“Even though Reddick is seeking an extension before he plays, Davenport is on a one-year deal, meaning Detroit will need to address the position in the offseason regardless,” Holder wrote. “This could be a win-win situation, allowing the team to meet both immediate and long-term needs.”
Others also view the Lions as strong contenders for Reddick. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report indicated that Detroit, along with the Arizona Cardinals, could be likely destinations for him. Knox echoed Holder’s sentiments about Reddick being a fitting replacement for Davenport while addressing the Lions’ defensive weaknesses.
“Bringing in Reddick would provide Detroit with a strong counterpart to Aidan Hutchinson and help fortify a defense that struggled against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4,” Knox wrote.
Though the Lions haven’t publicly expressed interest in Reddick, their aspirations for a Super Bowl could create urgency to replace Davenport and enhance their defense.
In the meantime, Jimmy Liao from USA Today’s Lions Wire proposed a more immediate strategy for filling Davenport’s position.
“The Lions, who signed Davenport to a one-year contract, were counting on him to reinforce the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson,” Liao noted. “With him out, players like Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, and James Houston will have greater chances to step up.”
The Lions have struggled to establish a reliable pass rush beyond Hutchinson, who has recorded 6.5 of the team’s 11 total sacks this season. Onwuzurike follows with 1.5 sacks, while no other player has more than one.
