INSIDER REPORT: Jets ‘Moving Ahead’ Without Haason Reddick

The train has left the conventional station.

ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano reported the New York Jets “seem to be moving ahead without” seasoned pass rusher Haason Reddick.

” Tuesday was told Tuesday that the Jets’ coaching staff has essentially had little contact with Reddick since his introduction news conference and that the team believes either with or without Reddick the Jets would be able to create a good pass rush. What they seen in camp from defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw excites Jets coaches much, and they believe he can pair up with Quinnen Williams to offer a strong interior pass rush,” Graziano said in an item issued on Thursday, September 5. “Sure, they need more from [Will] McDonald in his second season, but Jermaine Johnson and he both were first-rounders and ought to be able to advance as edge rushers. And the Jets’ corner talent will buy their pass rushers time. The Jets seem to be headed forward without Reddick, even although they would undoubtedly be better with him (which they clearly know, or they wouldn’t have traded for). If he would want to join in, fantastic.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, September 5, head coach Robert Saleh did not totally shut the door on Reddick being available for the season opening against the San Francisco 49ers.

But as every day goes by, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport noted, it gets less likely he will be fit to suit-up.

Connor Hughes of SNY went so far as to add that should Reddick be playing Monday Night Football for the Jets, it would be a “massive surprise.”

With [a] primary DE rotation of Jermaine Johnson, Michael Clemons & Will McDonald, the Jets will take on [the] 49ers. Takk McKinley [will] also [be] in the mix, Hughes tweeted.

Starting in April, this Reddick holdout has been ongoing. Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson said Saleh’s choice to leave the door open for Reddick to still play in Week 1 was, “wishful thinking.”

Whose guess is the end of this reddick holdout?

ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler visited “who are informed” on Reddick’s side and “no one knows what [he] will do.”

As Anderson points out, events in the season opener might alter some leverage. Should the Jets fail to create a consistent pass rush, the franchise may be under pressure to yield to contract demands of Reddick.