Not long ago, ESPN formally recommended Haason Reddick as a summer free agent signing for the Minnesota Vikings, and about two weeks later, CBS Sports has followed suit. Minnesota may have a depth need at outside linebacker, with a player like Reddick being tailor-made for the assignment.
Bryan DeArdo played “free agent matchmaker” for the NFL last week, situating the Vikings with the veteran defender.
Brian Flores Could Use One More Summer Option
Free Agent Matchmaker: Reddick to Vikings
On a list that included Tyreek Hill to the Kansas City Chiefs and Stefon Diggs to the Washington Commanders, Reddick was connected to Kevin O’Connell’s team.
DeArdo wrote, “One of the league’s premier pass rushers from 2020-23 (he averaged nearly 13 sacks per season over that span), Reddick had just 3.5 combined sacks over the past two seasons. But while he had just 2.5 sacks in 2025, he amassed 34 pressures despite playing through several injuries.”
“In Minnesota, Reddick’s versatility would be put to use by veteran defensive coordinator Brian Flores. The fact that the Vikings employ a 3-4 defense — which Reddick has a history of playing in — makes this pairing even more logical.”
The Vikings have just over $13 million to spend in cap space on summer free agents.
The Vikings’ Current OLB Setup
Wondering why the Vikings may need another pass rusher in the first place? That answer is simple: in April, the franchise traded Pro Bowler Jonathan Greenard and a 7th-Round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for two 3rd-Round picks, one that has already turned into rookie safety Jakobe Thomas. The trade created a void in the EDGE room — unless the Vikings have an unknown contingency plan, like converting defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins to outside linebacker or debuting rookie off-ball linebacker Jake Golday on the EDGE right away.
Here’s the OLB roster in July:
- Andrew Van Ginkel
- Dallas Turner
- Bo Richter
- Tyler Batty
- Chaz Chambliss
- Cam’Ron Stewart
- Arden Walker
If Reddick were signed, he’d jump in right beneath Turner as Minnesota’s OLB3.
Reddick’s Bio
Minnesota wouldn’t need Reddick to revert to his 2022 form magically. That version of Reddick is likely gone, perhaps for good, and that’s perfectly acceptable because the Vikings would be seeking something different. This is about a short-term gamble on a pass rusher — the move a contending team makes to acquire another fiery veteran ready for the regular season.
Reddick’s recent game film, however, necessitates caution. His 2024 tenure with the Jets barely materialized, and Tampa Bay failed to unleash him in 2025, resulting in only 2.5 sacks in 13 games. While Pro Football Focus still noted value in his pass rush, his run defense was a different story, and his tackling grade didn’t help his case.
Therefore, this isn’t a simple “go get him” scenario but rather a “what’s the price tag?” discussion.
Reddick’s prime was legitimate. From 2020 to 2023, he was one of the NFL’s most disruptive edge rushers, recording 12.5, 11.0, 16.0, and 11.0 sacks in consecutive seasons. The performance earned him two Pro Bowl selections and 2nd-Team All-Pro honors in 2022. That Eagles season was particularly dominant: 16 sacks, 26 quarterback hits, and 5 forced fumbles.
Reddick’s career statistics still carry significant weight: 137 games, 61.5 sacks, 108 quarterback hits, and 18 forced fumbles.
The simple question now is: Does he have another season left as an OLB3 who doesn’t have to play every down? For Minnesota, that might just be enough.
What about Jadeveon Clowney?
If the Vikings sign an OLB this summer, but it isn’t Reddick, numerous alternatives are available. Joey Bosa, a free agent, may retire, but the market still features Von Miller, Jadeveon Clowney, and Leonard Floyd, among others. At any given moment, the NFL usually has seasoned EDGE defenders available at an affordable price.
Minnesota could also wait until the post-roster-cutdown timeframe, as over 1,100 NFLers will lose their summer roster spots at the end of August. In theory, the Vikings could sign a younger outside linebacker who was just dropped by his employer.
On Clowney specifically, DeArdo made the case for the Green Bay Packers as a fit: “Clowney would be a good fit on any of the NFC North’s four teams. The Packers, however, might make the most sense given what they already have on defense and the fact that Micah Parsons’s knee injury will likely sideline him at the start of the season.”
“While he isn’t Parsons, the 33-year-old Clowney is an accomplished pass rusher who has continued to produce after turning 30. Last season, he tallied 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys despite appearing in only 13 games and starting in just six.”
Clowney is arguably the most prized EDGE possession on the free-agent market in July.
Reddick will turn 32 in September. He’s really not that old.
