Contract Standoff Escalates as Jets Refuse to Trade Pro Bowl Edge Rusher
The New York Jets’ standoff with Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick reached a boiling point on Monday when Reddick officially requested a trade. The Jets, however, responded firmly, making it clear that they have no intention of fulfilling his demand.
General Manager Joe Douglas released a pointed statement, emphasizing the team’s stance on the matter. “We have informed Haason that we will not trade him, that he is expected to be here with his teammates, and that he will continue to be fined per the CBA if he does not report,” Douglas stated. “Since the trade discussions back in March, we have been clear, direct, and consistent with our position. Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season.”
Reddick’s Holdout: A Costly Dispute
Reddick, dissatisfied with his current contract, has missed 21 days of training camp, accumulating a substantial $50,000 fine per day. The financial repercussions of his holdout have reached approximately $1.7 million, factoring in fines and lost bonus money from an offseason bonus.
This situation is particularly unusual given that Reddick was acquired in a trade just four months ago. Despite his significant acquisition, Reddick has yet to practice with the Jets. He has only visited the team’s facility once—during his physical and introductory news conference on April 1.
Trade Details and Contract Dispute
In late March, the Jets traded a 2026 conditional third-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Reddick, with the expectation that he would play under his existing contract. However, Reddick’s absence from the entire offseason, including mandatory minicamp, turned this expectation into a contentious issue.
The Jets have stated that they will not negotiate with Reddick unless he is present at camp. Conversely, Reddick has insisted on a contract upgrade before reporting. This is the second time in six months that Reddick has requested a trade.
Reddick, aged 29, is slated to earn a non-guaranteed $14.25 million in base pay for the final year of the three-year, $45 million contract he signed with the Eagles as a free agent in 2022. Reddick believes he has outperformed this contract and is seeking an upgrade that aligns with the top edge rushers in the league. His frustration is understandable when considering that Danielle Hunter of the Houston Texans, with similar sack production over the past two seasons, signed a two-year, $49 million deal in free agency. Reddick could be aiming for a comparable contract.
Reddick’s Impact and Jets’ Plans
Over the last four seasons, Reddick has amassed 50.5 sacks, placing him fourth in the league during that period. After losing sack leader Bryce Huff to the Eagles in free agency, the Jets pursued Reddick as part of their efforts to bolster their defense for the 2024 season. The Jets’ decision not to solidify Reddick’s contract at the time of the trade, despite indications that they offered an extension, has added to the current discord.
Sources suggest that the Jets proposed to revisit Reddick’s contract later in the season or possibly after the season. The team was reportedly surprised by his absence from voluntary workouts.
Previous Trade Requests and Financial Penalties
Reddick’s trade request marks him as the fourth known player under Douglas to seek a trade, joining safety Jamal Adams, wide receiver Denzel Mims, and wide receiver Elijah Moore. Each of these players was eventually traded.
For his holdout, Reddick has accrued $1.05 million in mandatory fines for missing 21 days of training camp, as dictated by the collective bargaining agreement. Additional discretionary fines, totaling approximately $300,000, have also been imposed. Reddick’s absence from minicamp earlier this spring cost him a mandatory $100,000 fine, and he forfeited a $250,000 workout bonus by skipping offseason activities.
The Jets have significant plans for Reddick, who will turn 30 on September 20. He is expected to start at defensive end, replacing John Franklin-Myers, who was traded to the Denver Broncos. Micheal Clemons and Will McDonald have been sharing time in training camp, highlighting the team’s need for Reddick’s presence on the field.
Conclusion
As the Jets prepare for the upcoming season, the standoff with Haason Reddick remains unresolved. With Reddick facing substantial financial penalties and the Jets firm in their stance, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. For now, the focus for both parties is on the upcoming regular season, and the Jets are determined to move forward with the roster they have.