NY Jets send clear message to Haason Reddick amidst extended holdout
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closeThe NY Jets are less than two weeks away from their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers and star pass rusher Haason Reddick is still nowhere to be found.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas spoke to reporters for the first time in months on Thursday and offered a very clear message to Reddick when asked about his prized offseason acquisition’s ongoing holdout.
Douglas told reporters that the Jets are “waiting for [Reddick’s] arrival” before engaging in any direct contract conversations. The Jets aren’t going to negotiate with Reddick until he reports to the team facility.
Douglas reiterated that he has “a ton of respect” for both Reddick and his agent before insisting that “the ball is in their court.” The Jets’ GM also told reporters that he has not had any recent conversations with Reddick or his representation.
The Jets aren’t backing down in their stance, with Douglas also insisting the team has no plans to trade him. Still, the fact that the two sides haven’t even been in contact doesn’t bode well for his chances of showing up before Week 1.
Douglas says Reddick has to show up for talks to continue: “That’s been the message.” #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 29, 2024
Will Haason Reddick play for the NY Jets in Week 1?
No one could have predicted this situation would drag out potentially into September at the time the Jets made the trade for Reddick in early April. It’s hard to believe this situation will carry into the regular season, but it’s hard to believe we’re even in this situation to begin with.
The good news for the Jets is that they still have the majority of the leverage. Reddick cannot afford to sit out for the entire 2024 season or else his contract would toll and he would remain with the Jets for another year.
His trade request also rings hollow because, by all accounts, no team is willing to trade for Reddick and give him the contract he wants. Reddick and his agent appear to be overestimating his market in a giant game of chicken with his current employer.
The Jets do not intend to engage in contract talks until Reddick shows up, but Reddick doesn’t intend to show up without a new contract. Unfortunately for Reddick, he will likely be the one who has to cave in this situation.
The daily fines will increase dramatically after Labor Day next week, so it’s very possible Reddick will finally report as early as the beginning of September. If not, that would be a strong indication he’s prepared to miss regular-season games.
Nonetheless, the Jets’ stance on the matter hasn’t changed. Joe Douglas sent a very clear message to Reddick on Thursday: show up and get paid.
