The Bucs officially inked outside linebacker Haason Reddick to a one-year, $14 million deal on Friday. That was accompanied with Reddick having his first press conference as a Buccaneer, where both he and outside linebackers coach Larry Foote discussed what he brings to the defense.

The veteran pass rusher made it clear he is focused on moving forward and becoming a menacing pass rusher once again.

Haason Reddick Believes In The Bucs’ Defensive Vision

Bucs OLB Haason Reddick – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Haason Reddick had other suitors in free agency, and after emerging as one of the league’s best at getting after the quarterback, several teams were willing to overlook one tumultuous season with the Jets. To be fair, New York has long been an organization that has had its share of drama.

Although Reddick has ties to Larry Foote from his days in Arizona and connected with head coach Todd Bowles due to their status as Temple alums, it goes deeper into his belief that Tampa Bay is only missing a couple pieces and that he can be one of them.

“Just the fit,” Reddick said about what intrigued him joining the Bucs. “After talking to “Footy” and Coach Bowles, their vision for how they plan to use me here – that was very intriguing. Something that I knew I needed. Outside of that, I felt like this was a team that was a couple short pieces away. I felt like that I could come and bring my knowledge, bring my abilities, and blend it with the guys that’s already here. You got great pieces. You’ve got Vita [Vea], you’ve got young guys, Yaya [Diaby]. Knowing I could come here and help out, I thought it would be fun.”

Foote, the team’s new outside linebackers coach, has worked with Reddick in the past and knows what he brings. Although he coached him as an inside linebacker with the Cardinals, Reddick’s skillset has more than translated to the outside. There is no doubt that his addition is what Bowles has been clamoring for and what the defense needs.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles & OLBs coach Larry Foote – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“We’ve been missing that element as far as a speed standpoint and the strength of his game is speed,” Foote said. “He has natural ability. He can bend the corner and you can see that burst that we haven’t had here and he can provide that for us.”

Usually, job descriptions are lengthy.

Bullet points of what is expected to earn your keep.

For Reddick, it’s simple. Get after the quarterback by whatever means necessary.

“That’s real easy,” Foote said. “I asked him, ‘What do you want to do?’ Well, that’s what we’re going to do. That’s an easy position – we want you to get after the quarterback. You know Bowles and our defense. We’re flexible. We’ll move you all around. That’s what he brings – that ability. He’s not just a standard defensive end. We’ll move him all over and feature him.”

Haason Reddick’s Situation Is “A Good Problem To Have For Both Sides”

Bucs OLB Haason Reddick – Photo by: USA Today

More than just the natural ability, Haason Reddick comes in with a mindset of putting the league on notice.

After Reddick failed to secure a long-term contract last year and is now playing on a prove-it deal, there are plenty of people to prove wrong, but the two-time Pro Bowler also wants to prove himself right. If he does that, he will more than earn the reward that awaits.

“Knowing that I’m a guy that can overcome things,” Reddick said. “As I said earlier, my whole career from high school, college, to now has been nothing but ups and downs. It doesn’t phase me at this point, I’m just used to it. I feel like life rewards those who are able to continue to move forward. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good situation or bad situation, the only thing Haason Reddick knows how to do is continue to move forward. That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

That’s what could make this deal a perfect pairing for Reddick and the Bucs.

Bucs OLB Haason Reddick – Photo by: USA Today

“He can’t press,” Larry Foote said. “It’s a good problem to have for both sides. ‘You want to get sacks?’ We want you to get sacks [laughs]. That’s just the nature of this game, I just got to keep him grounded. You got to earn the right; you got to play the run. I know he doesn’t mind, I know he’s a little guy, reminds me of Shaq [Barrett] as far as – with a punch. He’s got to be aggressive in the run game and be excited just like you’re rushing the passer.”

Reddick is coming off what he put as a “very bizarre” season in New York with the Jets, but he’s played with his back against the wall before.

“He’s got a great story and we’re going to call this a comeback season because of what he went through last year,” Foote said. “He was a walk-on at Temple. His grandmother and his mother couldn’t pay all four years. ‘In one year you better earn this scholarship or you won’t be here.’ He was hurt and never played outside ‘backer before, but you could see the mindset and the type of attitude that he has for the game. I’m not going to be surprised if he destroys the league next year.”

Haason Reddick Wants To Hear The Cannons Fire “A Lot” In 2025

Through it all, Haason Reddick joins a Bucs’ defense that is starting to look up. There are still more additions to be made, but the floor of the unit has been raised with the outside linebacker room lining up to boast a lethal one-two punch between Reddick and Yaya Diaby.

Tampa Bay brought him in knowing he’d be a sack artist who can help paint the picture of what it takes to be great to the younger players in the room.

“My knowledge, at the end of the day,” Reddick said about what allows him to rack up sacks in a variety of ways. “Being able to recognize things that’s going on in the field, things that I see formation-wise or guys stances and sets. It allows me to play a mind game with them. That’s my best tool, that’s what I got to offer, and that’s what helps me succeed.”

Wrapping up his press conference, he was all smiles when discussing what he would say to fans tuning in before he takes the field.

“I’m excited,” Reddick said. “I’m excited to be here and excited to be in front of the crowd. If anything, I can’t wait to get in front of the krewe. I want to hear the cannon go off a lot this year. Very excited, hope the fans and krewe is excited as well. Looking forward to making this a great 50th [Bucs’ season].”