As the world turns, the Jets soap opera continues. The Jets prize offseason acquisition of edge rusher Haason Reddick seemed to be an example of a franchise rich in pass-rushing talent and stockpiling even more wealth at that position.
A few short months later, before he has played a single game or taken the field for one practice, it appears that stock has hit rock bottom. Reddick has held out of Jets training camp since it got underway in July, due to a contentious contract dispute that has played out in the media and now wants to be traded, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday.
The trade request comes as a result of a failure of both sides not coming to terms to on a new contract, or even convincing Reddick to show up for camp in good faith, according to Rapoport. As of now, it appears the Jets are doubling down and not budging, either, digging in by taking no time at all releasing a statement of their own on the pressing issue Monday afternoon.
“We have informed Haason that we will not trade him, that he is expected to be here with his teammates, and that he will continue to be fined per the CBA if he does not report,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said. “Since the trade discussions back in March we have been clear, direct and consistent with our position. Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season.”
Reddick, who is scheduled to earn $14.25 million in the final year of his contract, originally landed in the ‘Big Apple’ as a result of his frustration with his existing deal, with the Philadelphia Eagles, which gave them the ammunition to seek a trade partner to move him. They found one in the Jets, who were thrilled to send the Eagles a conditional 2026 third-round pick for the 29-year-old edge rusher.
With two Pro Bowls selections and 50.5 sacks under his belt over the last four seasons, it was a no-brainer at the time for the Jets, who replaced the departed Bryce Huff with an established veteran capable of changing a game with his elite pass-rushing ability. In this process, they have come to realize money remained a huge factor for Reddick, and after failing to come close on an agreement, they might be forced to follow in the Eagles’ footsteps.
Embed from Getty ImagesReddick’s career started as an out-of-position inside linebacker with the Arizona Cardinals, who were late to the party, waiting until his fourth (and final) season with the team to move him into a role that suited him best. Reddick responded accordingly, posting 12.5 sacks in a contract year with Arizona before leaving for a cup of coffee with the Carolina Panthers, where he again excelled, accumulating 11 sacks. He has been nothing short of amazing since then, and only exited stage left from Philadelphia because the Eagles were not interested in paying him what he thought he deserved.
As Reddick approaches his 30th birthday in September, he fully understands that now is the time to strike while the iron is hot and cash in on his earning power. In order to make that dream a reality, he might have to report to the Jets before long, or else face millions in fines without a long-term contract in hand.
Dating back to the spring, Reddick’s minicamp absence cost him $100,000. Additionally, he forfeited a $250,000 workout bonus by staying away in the offseason.
The Jets have big plans for Reddick. He is slated to start at defensive end in their front four, replacing John Franklin-Myers, who was traded to Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos. Micheal Clemons and Will McDonald have split reps in training camp.
