Jets’ Saleh Leaves Door Open for Haason Reddick to Play Week 1 amid Contract Rumors

Doric SamAugust 27, 2024

Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Veteran edge rusher Haason Reddick has yet to report to the New York Jets while he continues holding out for a new contract, but head coach Robert Saleh said there’s still a chance he will be able to suit up for the team’s season opener.

“Yeah, depending on — I’m assuming he’s in phenomenal shape,” Saleh said Tuesday before practice, per ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “Like I said, he’s a veteran. He knows what he needs to get ready. He’s had success in multiple buildings and multiple schemes with coaching staffs, and so he’s going to know what he needs to do to be ready for Week 1. So, he still has plenty of time.”

The Jets acquired Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles in March in exchange for a 2026 conditional third-round pick. The 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and made it clear that he wants a new deal, as he skipped the entirety of New York’s offseason program and training camp. His holdout has now reached 36 days, accruing $1.8 million in fines.

Reddick went as far as to request a trade earlier this month, but general manager Joe Douglas released a statement saying that the team won’t ship him away.

Reddick has yet to comment publicly on his holdout, but on Monday, he had a workout released through his personal trainer.

Coach Brandon Jordan @CoachBTJordanWe in the Lab @Haason7Reddick pic.twitter.com/N6t32jvdhX

Saleh said he didn’t see the video and added that he hasn’t reached out to Reddick amid his holdout and still has no plans to do so.

“I’ve just been focusing on the guys that have been here,” Saleh said.

The Jets are set to open the season on Sept. 9 on Monday Night Football against the reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. New York is hoping to end a 13-year playoff drought that is the longest current streak in North American sports, and having Reddick in the fold would certainly boost the team’s chances of achieving that goal.

Time is running out before the season begins, so Saleh is surely hoping that a resolution with Reddick is reached soon.