Arizona Cardinals decline 5th-year option on Haason Reddick
By Jim Koch
The former Temple University star has struggled to establish a role for himself with the Arizona Cardinals defensive unit
Three years have now passed since the Arizona Cardinals used a first-round draft selection on linebacker Haason Reddick. From day one, the squad’s defensive coaches struggled to find a role for the former Temple University star. That goal was never really accomplished, and it now appears as if the Cards are preparing to move on from the 25-year old Reddick.
Arizona’s front office announced on Monday that they are declining the fifth-year option on Reddick’s rookie deal. The news wasn’t surprising in the least, especially considering the fact that the club added four new linebackers to the roster this offseason. De’Vondre Campbell and Devon Kennard were acquired during the free agency signing period, while Isaiah Simmons and Evan Weaver were selected during the NFL Draft.
It’s possible that Arizona could even decide to move on from Reddick before the regular-season gets underway in September. The additions at linebacker have all but guaranteed that the defender will be nothing more than a backup for Vance Joseph‘s unit this coming fall. According to Spotrac.com, Reddick is set to carry a $4.2 million salary-cap hit this year, a number that may be a bit high for a non-starter.
The Cardinals could actually gain some cap space by ridding themselves of Reddick’s contract in 2020. Moving on from the Camden, New Jersey native would leave $1.9 million in dead money, meaning management would be left with roughly $2.3 million to spend somewhere else. The Cards could certainly use the extra funds, considering the fact that they are just $7.2 million under the salary cap at the current time.
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It’s been reported that the Carolina Panthers may have some interest in Reddick. Matt Rhule, Carolina’s new head coach, is familiar with the veteran from their days together at Temple. Whether a trade with the Panthers comes to fruition or not, today’s announcement is a definite indication that Reddick’s days with Arizona appear to be coming to an end.