Seahawks Swap Julian Peterson for Cory Redding w/ Lions
The Seattle Seahawks have traded LB Julian Peterson to the Lions for DL Cory Redding, due to their inability to get the disappointing pass-rusher to take a pay cut. The Seahawks will also receive a fifth-round pick in the deal.
Peterson, 30, had just five sacks in 2008 and Seahawks’ vaunted linebacking crew hasn’t really lived up to it’s billing. Peterson will be counted on by new Lions coach Jim Schwartz to give his team the edge pass-rusher the team doesn’t have. Peterson has shown flashes of being a great rush linebacker, but he’s given the 49ers and Seahawks only 46 sacks in nine seasons.
Redding will have to restructure his original seven-year, $49 million deal as part of the agreement.  Redding finished the 2008 season on injured reserve because of knee and groin injuries. Redding is expected to start immediately, as the Hawks lost defensive tackle Rocky Bernard to the Giants in free-agency this month.
Peterson going to the Lions means the team likely won’t draft Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry with their No. 1 pick. It also gives a strong indication that the team will choose to address the offense with thier two 1st round picks. Peterson might present some IDP value in Jim Swartz’s system but Redding will only have marginal value in IDP only leagues that require a DT.
