Aaron Rodgers' Jets could screw over Packers with trade to division rival

Aaron Rodgers is getting the band back together. The New York Jets' trade for Davante Adams is one final desperate move to save their season after losing four of their opening six games.

While it will be fun to watch the New York Packers, uh, I mean Jets, reignite the Rodgers-to-Adams connection, a potential knock-on effect of the trade could hurt Rodgers' former team.

The Jets traded for edge-rusher Haason Reddick in the offseason, but after failing to agree to an extension, he has refused to play for them. With the NFL trade deadline fast approaching, New York could move on from Reddick before he even played a snap for the team.

If the Jets trade Reddick, it could open the door for one of the Packers' division rivals to land a great deal.

The Detroit Lions lost superstar pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson in last week's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He suffered a serious leg injury and is out for the season. Hutchinson's absence will have a significant impact on the NFC North and could force the Lions to find a replacement before the trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Lions have "checked in" with the Jets about a potential deal for Reddick.

While it's almost impossible to replace Hutchinson, who looked on track for NFL Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Pro honors, Reddick would help fill the void and give them another excellent edge-rusher.

Player

Games

Sacks

QB hits

Aidan Hutchinson

17

11.5

33

Haason Reddick

17

11

23

The two-time Pro Bowler has made double-digit sacks for four consecutive seasons. Since the start of the 2020 season, Reddick has 50.5 sacks, 83 quarterback hits, 13 forced fumbles, and eight pass defenses. He is a star.

Detroit would presumably have to work on an extension with Reddick, but for a team in win-now mode, it's a price worth paying.

Hutchinson has exactly half (7.5) of the Lions' total sacks (15) this season. One can assume it will only become more challenging for the other pass-rushers to get pressure with opposing offenses not having to double- and triple-team Hutchinson.

The Packers play the Lions in Week 9, just two days before the NFL trade deadline. Detroit has to do something to address its pass rush without Hutchinson, but Rodgers' Jets hold the key to a blockbuster trade.

Hopefully, Reddick stays in New York and helps Rodgers and Adams make their own Super Bowl push. But if the Lions are willing to meet the Jets' demands, they could make the Packers' challenge in the NFC North even more difficult.

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