FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick, one of the New York Jets‘ biggest offseason additions, is sitting out OTA practices due to an apparent desire for a new contract.
Jets coach Robert Saleh said he has had no recent communication with Reddick, who was acquired in a March 29 trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Saleh declined to say whether Reddick’s absence is contract-related, deferring to general manager Joe Douglas, who typically does not speak to the media during OTAs.
“I’m focused on the guys here and Haason is a professional,” Saleh said. “He’s been in this league for a while. He’s produced at a very high level for a long time. He has his routine and if that makes people feel better, we know where he is, we know what he’s doing and we know he’s working.” . “He’s striving to get to where he needs to be to have a productive 24th season.”
Haason Reddick, acquired by the Jets in an offseason trade from the Eagles, has yet to attend any of the team’s OTA practices. Brad Penner-KeynoteUSA Sports
It’s a costly decision for Reddick, who will lose a $250,000 training bonus for not attending voluntary workouts. Reddick, 29, is due to earn a non-guaranteed base salary of $14.25 million in the final year of the three-year, $45 million contract he signed with the Eagles.
The Jets’ mandatory minicamp is next week. Saleh said he hopes Reddick will attend. Otherwise, players will be subject to a fine.
Featured Sports KeynoteUSA
1 related
Reddick, one of the NFL’s most prolific pass rushers, wanted the Eagles to extend his contract. The Eagles decided to move on and gave him permission to pursue a trade. The Jets, who lost pass rusher Bryce Huff to the Eagles in free agency, made the move for Reddick knowing his contract could become an issue. They sent a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles.
After the trade, Reddick told reporters that he had let his agent and Douglas resolve the contract issue, suggesting he is seeking a new deal. And he added: “Whatever happens, I’ll be happy. I’m going to give it my all, no matter what.”
Reddick has recorded 50.5 sacks over the past four seasons, fourth in the NFL over that span. The only players with more are TJ Watt (62), Myles Garrett (58) and Trey Hendrickson (53). Reddick wants his salary to reflect his production. Currently, his $15 million average annual net worth ranks 19th among edge rushers, according to OverTheCap.com.
This poses a potential dilemma for the Jets. Douglas typically doesn’t give multi-year deals to players beyond their second contract. This offseason, the Jets signed left tackle Tyron Smith, 33, and wide receiver Mike Williams, 30, to one-year contracts.
The Jets expect Reddick to be an every-down player. In fact, they’re so committed to him that they traded defensive end John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos.
“He’s an unbelievable player,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said of Reddick. “When that guy comes on the field on third down or passing situations, it’s an absolute problem. And it’s going to continue to be a problem (against) other opponents for us.”
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.