The New York Jets are less than two weeks away from their season opening against the San Francisco 49ers, and standout pass rusher Haason Reddick is still missing. On Thursday, Jets general manager Joe Douglas appeared with reporters for the first time in months and delivered a very plain message to Reddick when questioned about his prized offseason acquisition’s continued holdout.
Douglas informed reporters that the Jets are “waiting for [Reddick’s] arrival” before engaging in any direct contract negotiations. The Jets will not negotiate with Reddick until he reports to the team facilities. Douglas repeated that he had “a ton of respect” for both Reddick and his agent, but said that “the ball is in their court.” The Jets’ general manager also informed reporters that he has had no recent conversations with Reddick or his representatives.
The Jets aren’t backing down from their stance, and Douglas says the franchise has no plans to trade him. Still, the fact that the two parties haven’t even communicated does not bode well for his chances of appearing before Week 1.
Will Haason Reddick play for the New York Jets in Week One? No one could have guessed that this situation would last until September when the Jets traded for Reddick in early April. It’s difficult to think that this predicament will continue into the regular season, but it’s even harder to comprehend that we’re in this situation in the first place.
The Jets benefit from the fact that they still hold the majority of the leverage. Reddick cannot afford to sit out the full 2024 season or his contract would lapse and he will remain with the Jets for another year. His trade request also rings hollow since, by all reports, no team is willing to trade for Reddick and offer him the deal he seeks. Reddick and his agency appear to be overestimating their market in a massive game of chicken with his current employer. The Jets do not expect to begin contract negotiations until Reddick arrives, and Reddick does not intend to arrive without a new contract. Unfortunately, Reddick will most likely have to cave in the situation.
