Could Haason Reddick Be the Vikings Answer to a Dominant Pass Rush?

The Minnesota Vikings shattered expectations in 2024, finishing with an impressive 14-3 record—a mark that would typically secure an NFC North title and the conference’s No. 1 seed. Unfortunately for them, the Detroit Lions edged them out with a 15-2 season, leaving the Vikings in the runner-up spot. Still, Minnesota’s playoff appearance signaled major progress for a franchise looking to take the next step.

To truly contend for a Super Bowl in 2025, the Vikings must maintain an elite pass rush, an area that has been a strength but could see changes this offseason. While Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard remain under contract, a key piece of their defensive front—Patrick Jones II—is set to hit free agency. At just 26 years old, Jones is coming off a breakout season and is likely to draw significant interest on the open market.

If Minnesota is unable to retain him, Haason Reddick could be the ideal replacement.

Reddick’s Potential Fit in Minnesota

FanSided’s Nick Villano recently projected that the Vikings could sign New York Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick if Jones departs, believing the move could benefit both sides.

“(The Vikings) could revitalize Reddick, who likely won’t get the salary he’s looking for,” Villano wrote. “He will be motivated to be a good soldier looking for a new contract. The Vikings can build a good defense with him as a cog. There’s a lot to like about this partnership.”

Prior to a disastrous 2024 season in New York, Reddick was one of the NFL’s most reliable pass rushers. The two-time Pro Bowler posted 11 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons (2020-2023), including a career-best 16 sacks in 2022.

However, his 2024 campaign was a disappointment, as he managed just one sack in 10 games while dealing with a contract dispute that kept him out for a significant portion of the season. Given that context, it’s not surprising that Reddick struggled.

Can Reddick Bounce Back?

At 31 years old heading into the 2025 season, Reddick still has plenty left in the tank. With a full offseason to focus on football rather than contract negotiations, there’s a strong chance he can return to the Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher he was in prior years.

Financially, signing Reddick could be a steal for Minnesota. According to Spotrac, he is projected to receive a one-year, $11.7 million deal—a bargain if he returns to form.

Vikings Have the Cap Space to Make a Move

Minnesota is in a strong financial position, with $58 million in projected cap space heading into free agency. That gives them more than enough room to pursue Reddick and reinforce their already potent pass rush, which ranked fourth in the NFL in sacks last season.

If Patrick Jones II walks in free agency, the Vikings may have the perfect fallback plan in Reddick—a proven veteran with something to prove. If he can regain his old form, Minnesota’s defense could take another leap forward in 2025.