Haason Reddick Skipping Jets’ Mandatory Minicamp, Reportedly Eyeing New Contract
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured Columnist IVJune 11, 2024
Ryan Kang/Getty Images
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh confirmed that linebacker Haason Reddick didn’t report to the team’s minicamp Tuesday.
Reddick is only signed for one more season. SNY’s Connor Hughes reported he’s seeking a new contract but indicated earlier he would attend the Jets’ offseason workouts despite not having a long-term deal.
Jets Videos @snyjetsWhen asked, Robert Saleh says that he’s not concerned about Haason Reddick potentially not being with the Jets at the start of training camp:
“I know when it comes time to play football, like I said before, he’s gonna be ready to play football.” pic.twitter.com/Bzq3NekfmJ
“No, he wasn’t thrilled with his usage in Sean Desai/Matt Patricia’s defense last year (48 snaps in coverage), but the root of his frustrations, and the primary reason he asked the Eagles to trade him, was because he wasn’t happy with his current deal,” Hughes subsequently reported. “Reddick’s current contract pays him $15 million annually. Nick Bosa (49ers), Josh Allen (Jaguars) and Brian Burns (Giants) all recently signed contracts worth north of $28 million annually. That’s the realm Reddick, fourth-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (50.5), wants to be in, too.
The 29-year-old’s contract status played a role in his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly came to the determination dealing him to the Jets was a better asset play than extending him beyond the 2024 season.
“I really can’t wrap my head around it. I’m baffled like everyone else,” his father, Raymond Matthew, said to ESPN’s Tim McManus. “He outperformed his contract. … He just wanted market value. He just wanted the numbers that made sense, which he didn’t get.
“It was a thing where I guess [general manager] Howie Roseman felt that it was better to go that way. It felt awkward. It did.”
According to Hughes, the Jets “made things clear to Reddick” when they acquired him and told him they “would not rip up his contract before the season.” Both sides would reassess where things stood next spring.
“Reddick was on board. He had a tremendous visit with the team, sources told SNY, when he showed up to take his physical and finalize the trade from Philadelphia,” per Hughes. “Additional sources informed SNY that Reddick told members of the team he would be in attendance for the offseason program (including organized team activities) and minicamp on his current contract.”
Even assuming Reddick provided assurances about his participation in minicamp, his holdout illustrates the difficult position the Jets put themselves in by trading for him. Nothing actually compelled him to report to camp, and the need for an extension lingers whether he shows up or not.
Chris Trapasso š @ChrisTrapassoThe Jets allowing Bryce Huff to walk in FA then trading a conditional 3rd for Haason Reddick, who wants a new deal, is one of the most clearly perplexing personnel decisions I’ve seen
You’d expect Reddick to arrive at some point with or without a new contract. While he may not be overly enthused with his $14.3 million base salary, the two-time Pro Bowler has way too much to lose by carrying a holdout into the regular season.
Still, this is the kind of drama the Jets will have wanted to avoid following such an eventful and disappointing 2023 season.
