Jets’ Rodgers on Reddick: ‘I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet’

In the offseason, the New York Jets acquired one of the best edge rushers in football when they grabbed Pro Bowl LB Haason Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, which could be a second-round pick if Reddick meets certain incentives.

However, at this point, Reddick, who reportedly wants a new contract, has not participated in any offseason activities, including training camp, has requested a trade from the Jets. 

Jets GM Joe Douglas said in a statement that the team is not trading the seven-year veteran, who had 11 sacks in 2023.

The 29-year-old, who is scheduled to make $14.5 next season in the final year of his contract, was a very productive player for the Eagles. In two seasons with the Eagles, both of which ended with him making the Pro Bowl, he accumulated 27 sacks.

Essentially, the Eagles and Jets swapped pass rushers. In March, Philadelphia signed former Jets LB Bryce Huff to a three-year, $51 million contract. 

While this situation could seem frustrating, Jets head coach Robert Saleh says that’s not the case for him.

“It’s not frustrating because I don’t have control over it,” he said. “But like I said, we’re excited about our group, still looking forward for him to get here when he’s ready, and when he’s ready, we’re going to embrace him with open arms and get ready to attack the moments that he brings to us.”

Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who says he’ll reach out to Reddick, believes the two-time Pro Bowler has to do what’s best for him.

“Well, there’s always new things in the League that, you know, I’ve been around 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of stuff,” Rodgers said. “I think as players we always first try and side with the player because you know what it’s like to be a player. I actually, I’ve played against Haason (Reddick) before, I don’t know him well, I’ve had a couple messages with him I believe, when he got traded. Obviously, we’d love for him to be here, but we don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for him. I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride, but, you know, he’s got to make the best decision for him and his family.”

The Jets have a lot at stake this season, and Reddick has shown to be a difference-maker; both sides need each other. Reddick can’t play anywhere else without a trade, and the Jets need what he brings, so the two sides may find a way to make it work.