No matter how well we prepare and the optimism we may have, things don’t always go according to plan. Author Lewis Howes once said, “No matter how much you plan and prepare, things can still go wrong.” These sentiments can be felt by New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas and linebacker Haason Reddick. The team acquired the former All-Pro linebacker from the Philadelphia Eagles on April 1st. Reddick requested a trade out of Philadelphia after failing to agree to a contract extension. New York parted with a conditional 2026 third-round pick with the prospect of Reddick shoring up a talented front seven.
Reddick was supposed to be a major factor in the pass rush replacing Bryce Huff. Unfortunately, Reddick and the team are at an impasse on contract negotiations. So much so that Reddick requested a trade from New York on Monday. The organization released a statement uttering their desire to deny Reddick’s request. Things have taken a turn for the worse. Alas, there’s still optimism Reddick will play for the team this year. Let’s analyze how the team reached this roadblock and how it can affect them both this season and going forward.
Jets Dealt a Major Blow in Latest Haason Reddick News
With a desire to reach the postseason for the first time in over a decade, the New York Jets are ready to make a push. Concurrently, their premier defense leading the way and a healthy Aaron Rodgers on offense gives them a chance. To capitalize further, the team has enjoyed a successful offseason adding to their offensive line, wide receiver room, and retooling the quarterback room. However, the offense isn’t the only aspect the team improved at. Despite losing talented edge rusher Bryce Huff to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team found a more than capable replacement in Haason Reddick. For the past five seasons, Reddick has arguably been one of the league’s most effective pass rushers. With four seasons with at least 11 sacks, Reddick is a force on the edge. Unfortunately, the New York Jets acquired him in a contract year, and wants to be paid.
Yes, Haason Reddick earned a raise
It’s no secret Reddick’s glowing resume deserves to capitalize on a changing edge rusher market. According to Over The Cap, Reddick is currently the 18th highest-paid edge rusher in the league. This comes after extensions for Brian Burns, Maxx Crosby, and Josh Allen-Hines this offseason. Reddick has shown his abilities as a premier edge rusher. His desires for a raise are justified, however this holdout has come at a cost. Under article 42 in the NFL collective bargaining agreement, all players who aren’t on rookie contracts are subjected to a $50,000/per day fine for missed training camp. Since training camp began in late July, Reddick’s holdout has essentially cost him over $1,000,000 in fines. If a trade was to be explored, teams like the Detroit Lions. Tennessee Titans or the Arizona Cardinals could all inquire about Reddick.
Jets won’t budge on trade request
Despite making his trade desires known, the New York Jets aren’t obligated to give into Reddick’s request. In a public statement shortly after Reddick’s request was made public, the organization responded. Joe Douglas informed the public that Reddick’s request won’t be met with a trade and they intend to still work out the situation. In addition, Douglas included the CBA statement on training camp fines that Reddick will continue to be subjected to.
Players holding out for new contracts are not a foreign concept. The New York Jets’ rival New England Patriots are in the same position with standout linebacker Matt Judon as well. Every one of the 32 general managers in the NFL has dealt with something like this along the way. But, it’s unique for New York in that they traded for Reddick knowing full well his desire for an extension.
Is there a solution?
The thought of New York departing with a third-round pick for a player of Reddick’s caliber without him playing a down would be a terrible look for the organization. While the Jets understandably want to keep long-term cap space open for extensions for their 2022 draft class (Gardner, Wilson, Johnson, Hall, etc.); the Jets are all in with an aging Aaron Rodgers on the roster.
Whether Joe Douglas likes it or not, this is a situation that needs to be handled with the season opener only two weeks away. New York needs to capitalize with Reddick to close the gap between them and the Chiefs in the AFC. Haason Reddick has cost himself money in his desire for a raise. It is not ideal, but Reddick is still under contract for the 2024 season. Ultimately, this request was a strategic move to light a fire under the Jets. But with the multiple fines he’s been subjected to and now entering his 30-year-old season, Reddick’s leverage isn’t as big as he thinks. Sadly, the only thing fans can do is wait for a resolution.
Main Photo: [Deney Medley] – USA Today Sports
