One astute analyst, a guy who spent a lot of time with Joe during the NFL Scouting Combine, thinks Haason Reddick could be more of a pass rush specialist than a three-down player.
Chris Simms, the NBC Sports film guru and former Bucs quarterback, co-hosted a live free agency show on NBC’s YouTube page today and expressed his love for the Bucs signing Reddick, who was a disgruntled member of the Jets last year.
Simms noted how it seems Reddick got terrible advice and should have just shut up and played after he got traded to New York from Philadelphia last year. But Reddick held out, returned in October and had a bad season.
Per Simms, if Reddick had a full, normal year, he would have been at least a nine-sack guy with the Jets and commanded a lot more than the $14 million the Bucs will pay him for 2025 on a one-year deal.
In short, Simms thinks Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht nailed the Reddick signing.
He also thinks Reddick likely will be more of a pass rush specialist with Logan Hall handling more first- and second-down duties on the edge.
Joe isn’t sure. Reddick used to be an inside linebacker (2017-2019) and is very versatile. Also, he is used to a full-time work load.
But Simms may be right. Perhaps a lighter load in the run game alongside elite defensive tackles enticed Reddick to come to Tampa?
Simms was adamant that Reddick is a great fit in with the Bucs because his double teams will be limited with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey and YaYa Diaby in the mix on passing downs.
Simms was a special guest on the recent Ira Kaufman Podcast.
