The New York Jets made a bold move this week by firing head coach Robert Saleh, signaling a major shakeup for the team. Owner Woody Johnson is now shifting focus to edge rusher Haason Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in April.
The deal sent a conditional 2026 draft pick to Philadelphia, which will become a second-rounder if Reddick plays in 67.5% of the Jets’ defensive snaps and achieves double-digit sacks. Otherwise, it will remain a third-round pick. Despite joining the team months ago, Reddick has yet to play due to a contract dispute.
Reddick’s absence is rooted in his frustration over a promised new contract, one he claims the Jets offered when they traded for him. Currently, he is under contract for a non-guaranteed $14.25 million base salary for this season.
However, his holdout has cost him $4.2 million in missed salary and fines for skipping the first five weeks of the season. Making matters worse, his representation agency, CAA, dropped him as a client, leaving him without agent support as the standoff continued.
Even without Reddick, the Jets’ defense has been performing at a high level. The team ranks fifth in the league in scoring defense, giving up only 17 points per game, and ranks near the top in sacks and quarterback pressure rates.
Many believe that with Reddick in the lineup, the Jets could challenge for the league’s top defensive unit. Johnson, optimistic about the situation, has reiterated that Reddick would find a welcoming environment if he decided to return, believing that his presence would only make their defense stronger.
In a public appeal to Reddick, Johnson urged the veteran player to end his holdout and report to the Jets’ facility. Johnson emphasized that Reddick’s contributions would be crucial to the team’s success and personally invited him to drive down from his Camden, New Jersey home. The owner painted a picture of a warm welcome awaiting Reddick, offering an escort to ensure his smooth arrival, and insisted that the Jets are prepared to embrace him with open arms.
Despite Johnson’s efforts to persuade Reddick, the situation remains unresolved. With the Jets starting the season at 2-3, the team could greatly benefit from Reddick’s return, potentially turning their fortunes around. The decision now lies in Reddick’s hands, as the team awaits his move, hoping that he will finally join them and contribute to their defensive and playoff aspirations.
