The Chicago Bears tried to make a bold move to secure Matthew Judon via trade last month to fortify their pass rush. Unfortunately, it didn't happen because of an inability to find common ground regarding the veteran's contract situation. As a result, he went to the Atlanta Falcons instead. Many fans felt that GM Ryan Poles might pivot to take a shot at Haason Reddick, who was embroiled in a standoff with the New York Jets over his contract situation. Things had gotten so bad that many felt the team would have no choice but to trade him.
Reddick has dug his heels in for months. He has yet to practice with the Jets since arriving and is forfeiting game checks. People close to him believe he's ready to die on this hill. If so, New York is in a no-win situation. They clearly aren't willing to meet Reddick's price, and every second they waste hoping he changes his mind will decrease his trade value. That is why Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes he will eventually get moved, and the Bears are one of the possible destinations.
Chicago Bears
Jeremy Fowler's offer:
Jets get: 2025 third-round pick, 2025 sixth-round pick
Chicago gets: Reddick, 2025 fifth-round pick
Why this deal makes sense for both sides: The Bears have been in the pass-rush market for a while. They were close to trading for Matthew Judon but weren't willing to give him a new contract (whereas Atlanta, which pulled off the trade, seems willing to engage in contract talks later in the season). Reddick's desire for a new deal could give Chicago pause, but if his holdout lingers to the trade deadline, his only choice would be to play the remainder of his deal on a new team.
The Bears frankly don't need Haason Reddick anymore.
Okay, that might sound a little overconfident. There is no question the Pro Bowler is a difference-maker. He has 50.5 sacks in his last four seasons. The problem is he turns 30 years old in just over a week and is looking for money that will likely put him among the highest-paid edge rushers in the league. Chicago already sank a huge contract into Montez Sweat. Paying tons of money to two guys usually isn't the best idea. Besides, the Bears' need for a second rusher appears to have been fixed.
Chicago traded a 6th round pick to Seattle for fourth-year veteran Darrell Taylor. He responded with two sacks in his first game. While he may not be the overall talent Haason Reddick is, he's also younger (27) and cheaper at $3.11 million this season. The Bears could choose to extend him at what would likely be a cheaper price or let him walk in free agency, let another team pay him, and perhaps secure a compensatory draft pick. Adding Reddick would be fun for the Bears. However, it feels like that window shut a few weeks ago.
