Haason Reddick Signing Evokes A Big “What If?”
March 10th, 2025
Jason Licht and Todd Bowles.
Over and over and over and over and over again last year, like a Corgi yapping for an long overdue dinner, Joe hammered away here begging Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht to trade with Philadelphia for Haason Reddick.
Reddick, the beastly edge rusher, eventually went to the Jets in April in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick — yes, 2026 — that could have become a second-rounder if specific production was reached.
Now he’s a Buccaneer on a one-year, free-agent contract for $14 million.
Joe can’t help but wonder what might have been if Reddick landed on the shores of Bradenton Beach a year ago.
Would the Bucs have been beaten Washington in the playoffs? Would the Bucs have won 12 games instead of 10? Joe could go on.
Joe realizes the Eagles, a very smart organization, may have had zero interest in trading Reddick to their conference rivals in Tampa.
Also, Reddick wanted a fat new contract before suiting up last season and, perhaps, the Bucs weren’t prepared for whatever that reality was. Or maybe the Bucs simply believed YaYa Diaby would ascend last season while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka balled out in a contract year.
It’s unclear and Joe doesn’t suspect the truth to come out.
Still, it’s hard not to see how the Bucs are now hot in the pants for Reddick — to fill a weakness seen in last year’s team.
“What ifs” are always part of NFL fandom, and this sure is a good one.
Yeah, Joe realizes Reddick hasn’t played a snap in pewter and red and has a lot to prove after a miserable 2024 on and off the field.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:08 pm
I thought the same thing. It was malpractice to go into the season with only one end that could rush the passer. The to add injury to insult, we sign Gregory in the summer.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:08 pm
It’s also risky to trade away draft picks for guys who are potential malcontents. As a free agent, on a one year deal, the Bucs don’t have as much to lose if he brings a crap attitude. And he’s in a prove-it situation. This makes more sense.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:12 pm
“What if” 2024 is a valid representation of what Reddick is now? “What if” he was only good in 2023 because the Eagles were so loaded on their front seven?
There are lots of “What ifs” so it’s best not to waste time on it. My only “What if” now is “What if the Bucs sign another edge rusher now, giving us ferocious, relentless pass rushing depth?”
March 10th, 2025 at 4:13 pm
Brilliant move by Jason. No chance that this guy will loaf. The Bucs will have a hungry and angry dude all season waiting for the next bag of dough. BRILLIANT! Don’t get the Logan Hall part in the previous post but interchanging within a 34 happens all the time and we know Bowles likes to confuse defenses. We will see.
This Buc fan is giddy.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:18 pm
I’m sorry. Just need to check if I’m awake or dreaming… Did we just get an actual bonafide NFL edge rusher and resign both Chris Godwin and Lavonte David?
March 10th, 2025 at 4:18 pm
What if??????????
Seriously?
March 10th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
Yeah like what if Licht signs an edge that shows up to team events?
March 10th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
Would the Bucs have been beaten Washington in the playoffs?
———
Not if Baker fumbles the ball and loses the game again.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Mike, and Bredeson too!
March 10th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Joseph Simmons … ‘My only “What if” now is “What if the Bucs sign another edge rusher now, giving us ferocious, relentless pass rushing depth?”
If the Bucs want a REALLY brutal pass rush we still need to do 2 things:
1 – Draft another beastly Edge in our Top-4 Rnds to rotate in with Reddick, Diaby & Braswell.
2 – Draft a another beastly DT/NT in our Top-4 Rnds to rotate in with Vea.
Having a consistent interior pass rush is the best way IMO to free up ILB blitzes and also help our Edges get more sacks.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Now we get him without giving up a pick. Yay US
March 10th, 2025 at 4:25 pm
Joe … Is there a reason why virtually every one of my comments over the past week or so have been going to the dungeon?
March 10th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
What if last season is over and KC didn’t win the Super Bowl. Most of us are over it and have moved on.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Maybe we hold Washington to low enough scoring that the Baker Mayfield fumble doesn’t matter or we stop that last drive of theirs. “What ifs” are fun and pointless all at once.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:31 pm
On a big day we could be remaining positional needs like CB and ILB targets. But as for “what if”, well the Reddster was actin a fool last year in the off-season, our GM didn’t want in the middle of that period and a no show, plus Philly wasn’t trading to NFC playoffs for like us no matter how cozy GM there and here are. That’s what if.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:31 pm
KABucs Says:
March 10th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
Maybe we hold Washington to low enough scoring that the Baker Mayfield fumble doesn’t matter or we stop that last drive of theirs. “What ifs” are fun and pointless all at once.
———-
Maybe the defense only gives up 9 points instead of 16, maybe that’s enough to overcome Baker choking in the 4th quarter of his second straight playoff game.
With that whinning out of the way, this is an excellent move – I think. Also it gives Braswell some more time to develop, and for the Bucs to find out what they have, if anything, in him.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:32 pm
Yes I think Philly probably wanted a king’s ransom for him.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:35 pm
*foe, not for
* pontificating remaining needs
March 10th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
I follow this site at least 5 times plus every day because I love to follow everything Joebuc! I don’t comment much as there are always a couple of guys who will make my point. Some over and over again- almost as much as Joe crying for an edge rusher. LOL JoeCS opined that “ what if” Reddick was only good in 2023 because the Eagles were loaded? Hope he isn’t thinking that our front is dog meat! I am looking for Reddick to explode with our D line drawing a lot of attention on top of him playing a “ prove it” year that could be opening a vault for him. With most of the band back and sothers in FA and the draft waiting to put on the pewter and red, I am the most excited I have been since TB came to town. Trust in Jason and Go Bucs!!
March 10th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Hell…what if my neighbor didn’t have a Corgi that yaps at me ALL. THE. TIME? I give that dog treats and she acts like she doesn’t know me. Just like a woman (sarcasm).
Reddick will do well in Tampa. He and Todd are tight. Jettison JTS and let Braswell develop. YaYa bout to be a beast now!!
March 10th, 2025 at 4:39 pm
Man, it’s such a drag when you’re living in the past.
Joe lives in the present, past and future, as evidenced by what’s written here. It’s a great day to be a living, breathing Bucs fan. –Joe
March 10th, 2025 at 4:41 pm
Living in the Past is a great song.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:45 pm
If we see Khalil Mack signing for a penny less than 14 million per , boy am I going to be Pi$$ed.
March 10th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
He represents the best chance we have at covering the curl/flat with a pass rusher when the inevitable defensive back injury happens.
March 10th, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Maybe the Bucs trade back in the 1st to get an extra day 2 pick with Texans (3rd rd and 6th rd) or Bills (2nd rd). I hope the Bucs are looking at ILB Campbell or an Edge in the 1st.
In a perfect world, I would love to see the Bucs get Greenlaw and/or Ward from SF.
March 10th, 2025 at 5:18 pm
Rod, I am hoping that Braswell pans out too. But by the time we got to the playoffs last year we weren’t giving him any snaps at all. That’s a big red flag to me. By game 18 you’re not really a rookie anymore. I’m afraid the coaches lost confidence in him for some reason and Jason Licht saying he is gonna be a good one has me questioning that. We’ll see but I’m with DR let’s get another DE and another DT in the draft. Beastly ones!
March 10th, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Reddick’s sacks
2020 Carolina 12.5
2021 Philly 11.0
2022 Philly 16.0
2023 Philly 11.0
2024 NYJ 1.0
I would say that 2024 is the outlier. It’s the Jets and that is a team in turmoil.
Bucs will have an improved defensive staff this year.
March 10th, 2025 at 5:21 pm
@Defense Rules: From your keyboard to God’s ears, my dude.
March 10th, 2025 at 5:39 pm
I, for one, welcome HR to TAMPA BAY! So far so good!!!
March 10th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Braswell= Noah Spence
I hope not but…..
March 10th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
The big what if he came here and sat out. Dont get excited over a me first player. Ever. Learn your lessons over the years, take off the rose coloreds
March 10th, 2025 at 6:04 pm
Stop thinking we’ve won the lottery with Reddick.
He stunk it up last year, really stunk it up.
Yeah, it was with the Jets, but a true pro gives it his all 100% on the field with no matter what team’s jersey he is wearing.
Reddick flat out quit last year.
Who knows if he’ll do it here?
Sure hope not, but let’s cool the “jets” until we see what we have in this guy. He had 9 solo and 5 assisted tackles in 10 games last year. Oh yeah, he also had 1 whole sack!
And most of you think we’ve hit the jackpot.
March 10th, 2025 at 6:04 pm
Thanks Aqualung. Now I can’t get that song out of my head. I remember only half the words tho.
That said, I sure hope Reddick comes back from last year’s funk. He is 30 now.
March 10th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
Barrett, Redick, Braswell, JTS and Watts I really think Barrett is going to ball this coming season and secure a starting spot with Reddick the other guys can come in for special packages or come in on a rotation….
March 10th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
My eyes read; “… while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka balled out in a contract year.”
My brain read; “… while Joe Tryon-Shoyinka BAILED out in a contract year.”
He-He;)
I am one that is not as quick as Joe to give Licht the “ROH” tag but, this seems like a prudent move that was off the radar. The signing of our guys was huge too. I hope Reddick is in shape. Get another!
March 10th, 2025 at 6:35 pm
Licht took a flyer on a guy that had like 4 or 5 straight seasons of double digit sacks. You almost can’t count the sinkhole of the Jets. Guys go to end careers over there. It’s also preserving delicate Glazer loot. Up against the cap and Licht threw a solid dart and re-signed Godwin. It’s hard not to love J Licht. Dude’s a rainman with a man’s man personality.
March 10th, 2025 at 6:39 pm
Yep DR. Plus 2 corners and another ILB.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:05 pm
Arrrrrrg!
March 10th, 2025 at 7:10 pm
It’s very hard to believe that Reddick who basically took the year off because he was upset he didn’t get the big money deal he cracked and was a non-entity when he did show up would’ve been anything other than a disappointment last year.
It’s much better that the Madden Jets traded draft capital for that year than the Bucs and now they get him on a discounted one year deal with something to prove.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:20 pm
Joe, you’ll drive yourself crazy wondering about the what ifs.
The focus now needs to be on keeping this guy motivated to think and play in a positive way.
He doesn’t have the greatest of reputations in the locker room.
Some have described him as a cancer.
Lets hope our veteran leaders on the team keep a close eye on that and put a stop to it if that starts to happen.
I have mixed feelings about this.
I’m thrilled we have a proven edge rusher.
I wish it would have been someone else.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:21 pm
He had a bad year because he quit. He held out for 7 games.
Not that I blame him. I mean…Jets.
Eagles did him dirty because the couldn’t or wouldn’t pay him.
So far as us not getting him last year? We didn’t have the cap room.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:22 pm
quarteback whisperer Says:
March 10th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
Zero evidence to make this comparison. The only similarity is they were both 2nd round picks. And there are players all over the league who don’t do much in their rookie years and go on the successful careers…
Explain any other parallel that would make you compare these 2. Do you have a clear understanding of what factors led to Noah Spence not panning out and are there any similarities to Braswell? I’m guessing you don’t.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
Maybe he would have had 12 sacks and get paid 20M a year and no playoff win, Godwin or LVD re-sign, or second rounder in 2026. Maybe this is the best timing.
March 10th, 2025 at 7:45 pm
Some clown Baker hater said what difference would it made because Baker fumbled.(Clearing any blame on McMillan)…completely forgetting Baker drove the team down the field and then the rookie center snapped on the wrong count costing a go ahead touchdown that would have to lead, they still got the field goal tied the game and the defense couldn’t stop Washington….. that’s the difference it could have made you f****** moron
March 10th, 2025 at 8:05 pm
On this signing right now.. 1 guy to the defense isn’t enough.. unless every draft pick is a defensive player and they all pan out, I hope the Bucs are not done improving in FA
March 10th, 2025 at 8:14 pm
Dubcity Says:
March 10th, 2025 at 8:05 pm
We’re 8 hours into the legal tampering period. I think they have plenty of time to add mid-tier and value free agents.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Back to talking about Reddick….
He’s already shown his colors and they weren’t quite the shade of green and white as the Eagles or the Jets, but more as the color of the Benjamin.
I suspect that he will play lights out in 25 for a big contract and he’ll lay an egg in 26 for the fool that signs him for the big deal. So let’s make a run for it in 25 and a plan for 26. This guy is no JPP, he’s just another 30 year old that didn’t do anything last year hoping to catch a suckered and a large guarantee.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:21 pm
Mock drafts are so much better now that we know where we’re at
March 10th, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Damn, what if instead of drafting Tykee Smith we traded for this guy and paid him 25mil/year. Sounds like a worse deal than Ukraine is getting.
March 10th, 2025 at 8:41 pm
I’m ok with this move but that we didn’t even pursue Dre Greenlaw is sad. Who is going to QB the defense? Are we going to have a rookie play Mike LB? I like Jason Licht but this is a mistake.
March 10th, 2025 at 9:28 pm
ShoyinkA was/is poo. poo Reddick pro en hungry wants 3rd contract. Will bust ass. NOw just get toilet bowles to change his pitiful game calls ⁶sissy defensive philosophy
March 10th, 2025 at 9:37 pm
Bucc
Roger that.
March 10th, 2025 at 9:42 pm
Sure does look like it’s shaking up to be a super season…
March 10th, 2025 at 11:09 pm
I swear some of you won’t be happy with anything our Bucs do. You will always find something to complain about.
Also. Khalil Mack resigned with the Chargers for $18 mil. I’d take Reddick over all those washed-up , overpriced bums ! Reddick next to Vita and Kancey! Who cares if it’s for 1 year ? And maybe he falls in love with the Bucs like most players do and resigns for a fair team friendly deal next year. We got Godwin back, Reddick, and our starting LG to a good deal. Great day in Tampa Bay. Be happy your not a Jags fan
March 10th, 2025 at 11:36 pm
Really don’t think this changes much – still need to draft an EDGE and CB is a huge need with Hayes and Thunderfudge the backups behind fragile Dean
Reddick should show his true colors soon with presence (or lack thereof) in OTAs
And they need a WR in case Godwin can’t go early – last thing they need to do is rush him back
March 11th, 2025 at 12:37 am
Aqualung
The title is Even the Losers.
March 11th, 2025 at 12:43 am
Sorry Joe
Wasn’t sold on this dude before… Third rounder in 2026… and he imediatley went Devin White and made his situation worse. Not sure I want this guy in our locker room. 3 teams in four years is a red flag in its own right.
I am a Bucs fan and I hope to be wrong here but…
Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2025 at 6:00 am
If we would’ve traded for him the same thing would’ve happened to us that happened to the Jets. Unless of course we signed him to the largest contract in history. My mom used to say if it is meant to be it will happen. This was the year it was meant to be with Reddick. He had to be humbled.
March 11th, 2025 at 7:17 am
looks like tarzan plays like Jane comes to mind, spence had potential, Brazewell has not shown anything so far. my comment was I hope he isnt like Spence, but until he shows otherwise,he only has potential also. he has not done anything special so far, but hopefully he does next year I hope
March 11th, 2025 at 8:10 am
This is looking better and better. Mack re-signed for $18 million
March 11th, 2025 at 10:00 am
quarteback whisperer Says:
March 11th, 2025 at 7:17 am
Weak analogy.
March 11th, 2025 at 10:33 am
There are caution signs everywhere on Reddick. His season last yr was terrible. Evoking the question of whats left in his tank.
If th bucs are wise, they will select a DE at 19. I just hate to see us end up in the same place as last year without a pass rush.
March 11th, 2025 at 11:16 am
If Reddick is motivated and focused, I’m not worried about him returning to previous form. Last year was (hopefully) a blip caused by contract distraction. That shouldn’t be an issue this year, as he’s on a one year deal. He has a choice — focus and play ball, or don’t and waste a promising career and big payday.
I give it a 70/30 shot at working out.
March 11th, 2025 at 9:31 pm
I know about all the crap last season and I think I know our guys won’t things get out of hand, if Reddick ain’t doing what he does and is pulling down those around him Lavonte and Vita will have a talk with him and the coach. I’m not crossing any fingers but put the Superbowl in front of him and he don’t act right, we might have another AB on our hands lol. I think these guys are going to be something. Let’s Go Bucs!!!