Haason Reddick’s Redemption: Why Tampa Bay Buccaneers Believe in the Star Pass Rusher

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bet Big on Haason Reddick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a calculated gamble this offseason by signing veteran pass rusher Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14 million deal. After a disappointing 2024 campaign with the New York Jets, Reddick is eager to prove he still belongs among the NFL's elite sack artists.

A Fresh Start After a 'Weird' Year

Reddick called last season “very bizarre” and “weird,” after a contract holdout derailed his time in New York. He missed seven games and posted a career-low 14 tackles, far below his usual production.

• Lost Season: With no training camp and limited game reps, Reddick never found his rhythm.
• Jets’ Chaos: The firing of HC Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas mid-season only added to the dysfunction.

But now, he sees Tampa Bay as the perfect place to reboot his career: "Different mindset, different space… I'm ready to put the past behind me."

Bucs Leadership Backs Reddick’s Revival

GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles remain bullish on Reddick’s ability to bounce back:

• Licht: “He’s got a lot to prove; he's very hungry. I'm excited about what he can bring to our young guys.”
• Bowles: “Last year was a wash. We expect him to be his old self again.”

Before the Jets debacle, Reddick was one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, recording four straight double-digit sack seasons, including a league-high 16 sacks in 2022.

Reunion with Coach Larry Foote

A key factor in Reddick’s decision to sign was reuniting with Bucs outside linebackers coach Larry Foote, who helped transform him from an inside linebacker to an edge rusher during their time with the Arizona Cardinals.

• Foote was instrumental in Reddick’s early development.
• Reddick praised Foote: "His effort, his approach—everything stuck with me and helped me grow."

How Reddick Fits into Tampa’s Defense

The Bucs ranked 5th in sacks (46) among playoff teams last year but struggled with consistency. Reddick provides:

✔ Elite Pass Rush Ability – Potential double-digit sack production.
✔ Versatility – Can play on either edge and drop into coverage if needed.
✔ Leadership – Will mentor young players like Yaya Diaby, who had 4.5 sacks in 2024.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move

The one-year deal minimizes risk for Tampa Bay while allowing Reddick to prove he still belongs among the NFL’s best. If he excels, a long-term extension could follow—just like Baker Mayfield did in 2023.

Draft Flexibility Remains

The Bucs (picking at No. 19) aren’t locked into taking an edge rusher, but Licht acknowledged this year’s deep draft class could still yield another weapon. Reddick’s signing doesn’t change their best-player-available approach.

Bottom Line

Coming off a nightmare season with the Jets, Haason Reddick has everything to play for in Tampa Bay. If he returns to form, the Bucs’ defense could be one of the NFC’s most dangerous units in 2025.