The Detroit Lions have reportedly expressed interest in disgruntled New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Lions have "checked on" Reddick's situation in New York, as the 30-year-old veteran has yet to play in a game this season amid a contract holdout.
Lions superstar pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who leads the NFL with 7.5 sacks this season despite playing in only five games, suffered a fractured tibia and fibula in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Hutchinson underwent surgery, which is likely to keep him out for the remainder of the season, leaving the Lions with a massive hole at edge rusher.
Reddick has registered double-digit sacks in each of the past two seasons, including a career-high 16 in 2022, followed by 11 last season, yielding the first two Pro Bowl selections of his career.
Despite his production, the Philadelphia Eagles traded Reddick to the Jets during the offseason, however, Reddick refused to report to his new team without a new contract.
With Reddick still not joining the team, Jets owner Woody Johnson said this week that the organization has given Reddick and his representation permission to seek a trade, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.
If the Lions can put together a quality trade package and come to some type of contractual agreement with Reddick, he would perhaps be the best possible replacement available for Hutchinson.
Aside from Reddick, Fowler named Za'Darius Smith of the Cleveland Browns and Josh Uche of the New England Patriots as pass-rushers who could possibly be available and of interest to Detroit.
Until a potential trade partner is found, the Lions are poised to move forward with what they already have at defensive end.
James Houston and Josh Paschal, neither of whom have a sack this season, are line to start for the Lions on Sunday against the undefeated NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions could also give significant playing time to Isaiah Thomas, who they signed off the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad this week.