The dawn of a new NFL season is merely days away. The 2024 NFL season officially kicks off with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs facing the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC conference championship rematch. Among the top teams in the conference, the New York Jets are looking to play spoiler this season. With a stellar defense and a healthy Aaron Rodgers returning, the New Jersey-based franchise kicks off its season in San Francisco in a Monday Night Football matchup with the 49ers. Unfortunately, a major storyline continues off the field for New York with the Haason Reddicks holdout for the Jets.
The Jets will enter that game without star defensive end Haason Reddick. Reddick has yet to report to Jets training camp as he holds out for a new contract. While he is a major loss, the Jets still have a game to play, with or without Reddick. Let’s examine which Jets players can benefit from snaps that Hasson Reddick will miss on the defensive line.
This is Day 41 of the Haason Reddick holdout – $2.05M in mandatory training-camp fines ($50G/day). Per CBA, training camp runs through the last Sunday before the first regular-season game (that means today) for daily fining purposes. From now on, he will lose game checks. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) September 1, 2024
Which Jets Linemen Benefit From Reddick’s Holdout?
It has been a long time since the New York Jets made the playoffs. When the Jets made back-to-back AFC Conference championship game appearances, the PS4 was still in development and Sauce Gardner was in the 5th grade. While it’s taken a long time to develop, the New York Jets have one of their strongest rosters on paper in franchise history. Armed with an elite defense and an offense that should improve immensely with a better offensive line; they are ready for the next step. This was a major factor for general manager Joe Douglas trading for Haason Reddick.
After Bryce Huff left for Philadelphia, the Jets needed to add another edge rusher. Who better than a defensive end with at least 11 sacks per season in the last four years? Conceptually, the Jets saw Reddick makes a perfect fit with the duo of Quinnen Williams and Javon Kinlaw causing havoc in the interior. This is not without its faults, as Haason Reddick is demanding a new contract from New York. The edge market has seen a massive rise in compensation this offseason. With Reddick longing to get what he’s earned, it’s understandable his frustrations from the Jets negotiations.
However, the games still need to be played. Fortunately, New York still has a depth of talent on the defensive line. These players can be major contributors in Reddick’s absence.
Will McDonald IV
Of all the players on this list, few have an alarming amount of silence from a potential breakout player. Will McDonald has had a rough start to his career. A first-round pick that was scrutinized at the time with the Jets’ need for offensive linemen in the 2023 NFL draft. Despite this, the film speaks for itself in McDonald’s potential value. McDonald’s experience with the Jets gives him an edge to take Haason Reddick’s place. Reports are glowing in terms of McDonald’s development thus far in training camp. After a rookie season with 14 total tackles, three sacks, and a forced fumble; McDonald wants to have a breakout similar to what Jermaine Johnson II had last year. This early stretch can have a massive impact on McDonald’s long-term value.
Will McDonald IV this preseason:
🟢 91.7 pass rush grade
⚪ 1.0 sack
🟢 25.0% pass rush win rate pic.twitter.com/U3Sc8UHfsi— PFF NY Jets (@PFF_Jets) August 21, 2024
Takkarrist McKinley
Out of all the surprises in training camp, few have made me happier than seeing Takkarist McKinley making a comeback. The former 2016 Atlanta Falcons first-round pick seems fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered in 2021. After spending the last two years working with Dan Quinn in the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, McKinley has made a nice first impression in New York. The loss of Jonathan Franklin-Myers left a need for veteran leadership in the defensive line. McKinley’s history with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been a highlight for this revival. McKinley’s history with Ulbrich can make him a solid weapon and make life easier for Kinlaw and Williams in the interior.
Eric Watts
An undrafted free agent out of the University of Connecticut, Eric Watts wanted to leave a good impression. He was so good, that the Jets kept him and fellow undrafted rookie Braiden McGregor on their 53-man roster. Despite UConn’s struggles, the program has appreciated Eric Watts’ contributions. Although he had a lackluster senior season, Watts was a playmaker his junior year with seven sacks and two forced fumbles in 2022. At 6’5″ and 277 lbs, Watts has enticing size and a quick first step that’s perfect for attacking off the edge.
Can't remember last time you could say this about a team: Per sources, the #Jets are keeping 3 UDFA defensive linemen on their initial 53. Very unheard of.
Eric Watts (UConn), Leonard Taylor (Miami) & Braiden McGregor (Michigan). Testament to those three guys. Also a sign #NYJ… pic.twitter.com/jeoQqyS6am
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 27, 2024
Main Photo: [Bill Streicher] – USA Today Sports
