As the New York Jets prepare for their Week 2 game against the Tennessee Titans, it appears that Haason Reddick will be sidelined again. The top pass rusher is still away from the team while negotiating a new contract, and this does not appear to be a problem that will be resolved soon.
When speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Jets head coach Robert Saleh denied that there is any rush to resolve the Reddick saga. Reddick, for his part, does not appear to be willing to give in.
Both sides have dug in and appear to be holding firm. That’s why several high-ranking league executives predict the Jets will eventually trade Reddick before he plays a single snap for the team.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said on Wednesday that several NFL executives believe a deal is “looking more likely” as the Jets approach the trade deadline in Week 9. One NFC official suggested that the Jets may not “have a choice.”
How plausible is a Haason Reddick trade to the New York Jets?
The idea that the Jets would explore dealing Reddick is not new, but it has been rejected by general manager Joe Douglas. The Jets have announced that they will not trade Reddick. They would be contradicting their own public declaration.
It’s difficult to understand why the Jets would consider a Reddick trade at this point, given that they have all of the leverage and the market is unlikely to be present.
Reddick cannot hold out for the full season. He must report by the Tuesday following Week 10 or his contract will expire in 2025, with the Jets retaining his rights. That isn’t going to happen, therefore he’ll have to turn up eventually.
Of course, this does not guarantee he will play or be effective if he does. The Jets are aware of this, but they are also unwilling to release him for less than his recognized value.
This past April, the Jets dealt a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Reddick. His market, particularly considering his contract demands, is far below that presently. The Jets would not receive equivalent value back.
Furthermore, if Reddick goes this summer, the Jets will almost certainly receive a 2026 compensatory selection pick if their previous free-agent moves do not cancel it out. Douglas is aware that if they trade him, this will not happen.
It’s also worth considering what Reddick’s market actually looks like. According to all rumors, no team is willing to trade for Reddick and offer him the deal he is requesting, which ranges between $25 and 28 million per year.
So, if Reddick is dealt, he won’t get the contract he wants. He’d give in on his demands, so why not just show up and play for the Jets?
Unless it’s a matter of principle for Reddick, seeking a trade to a team that won’t offer him the extension he wants makes no sense. However, very little about the current scenario is logical. None of this makes sense.
For the time being, Reddick appears prepared to wait it out and hope that the Jets blink. The Jets are content to wait for Reddick to show up, hoping he would ultimately buy in and take the field.
A future deal cannot be ruled out (nothing can in this situation), but it still appears unlikely.
