Haason Reddick could be the perfect addition to Colts defense

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 17: Outside linebacker Haason Reddick #43 of the Carolina Panthers flexes after making a tackle as linebacker Jermaine Carter #4 of the Carolina Panthers and guard Oli Udoh #74 of the Minnesota Vikings look on during the second quarter of the football game at Bank of America Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 17: Outside linebacker Haason Reddick #43 of the Carolina Panthers flexes after making a tackle as linebacker Jermaine Carter #4 of the Carolina Panthers and guard Oli Udoh #74 of the Minnesota Vikings look on during the second quarter of the football game at Bank of America Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Indianapolis Colts could find the answer to their edge-rushing problem in free agency with Haason Reddick.

On Thursday, the NFL world received some news that could greatly benefit the Indianapolis Colts. That news is: outside linebacker, Haason Reddick, is expected to enter free agency and is unlikely to return to the Carolina Panthers.

The reason that can benefit the Colts is that Indy desperately needs established pass rushers and they also have the money to offer Reddick a long-term contract.

Talking to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Charlotte Observer, Panthers general manager, Scott Fitterer, said, “Haason has earned the right to go out and see what he can get, He’s got two years in a row with double-digit sacks. He’s going to command a lot of money on the market.”

Haason Reddick is a proven pass rusher

Reddick started his career with the Arizona Cardinals and moved around a bit going from inside to outside linebacker. He struggled early at inside linebacker but once he was moved outside and allowed to rush the passer, the NFL saw the talent that made him a first-round pick.

In 2020, Reddick’s final season with the Cardinals, he recorded 12.5 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles.

That breakout season earned him a one-year deal worth $8 million with Carolina. He followed up with another impressive season, recording 11 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. He effectively proved that all he ever needed was just to be on the edge rushing the passer.

Now, Reddick will hit the market and will reportedly command a deal worth at least $15 million annually. For a Colts team that needs edge rushers and is projected to have upwards of $35 million in cap space this offseason, they should definitely pursue Reddick.

Colts should aggressively pursue Haason Reddick

Indianapolis has been trying to solidify edge rushing through the draft for the last few years. With the exception of Kwity Paye, many of the young edge rushers haven’t been able to deliver.

Now, with a team that is a few pieces away from being serious contenders, the Colts must be aggressive and go get an established veteran edge rusher.

New defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, has talked about the importance of being able to win one-on-one battles up front. With Reddick’s versatility as an edge-rushing linebacker, he’s a great candidate for the LEO position in Bradley’s defense.

Reddick can lineup opposite of Paye and on the defensive line with DeForest Buckner and give the Colts the consistent pass rush they’ve been searching for.

Improving the pass rush not only improves the defense, but it improves the team’s overall Super Bowl chances. If Indianapolis really wants to compete, it will have to spend money on guys like Reddick.