With Aaron Rodgers’s return, the New York Jets have high expectations in 2024.
In the offseason, they added to their roster when they acquired 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.
Unfortunately for the Jets, Reddick, who has one year left on his deal at $14.5 million, wants a new contract. He has not reported to any of the team’s offseason activities and has requested a trade.
On Thursday, Jets GM Joe Douglas, who the team said was not going to trade Reddick, discussed the two-time Pro Bowler, and as of now, things are still the same with the 29-year-old.
“Nothing has changed from our end,” Douglas said. “Obviously, ton of respect for Haason and awaiting his arrival. Looking forward to when he does, he’s going to be welcomed with open arms.”
If Reddick returns, Douglas said the team would be happy to have him back, but the team won’t negotiate until he does. According to Douglas, there has not been much “recent communication” with Reddick’s team.
Despite not having Reddick, who has accumulated 27 sacks in the past two years, Douglas said he’s not frustrated by the situation.
“I wouldn’t say frustration,” he said. “Obviously, we made the move because we have a lot of respect for him as a player and a person. We think he can help us win games. Felt really good about the conversations leading up to and at the moment of the trade. Again, we’re going to be excited to have him when he decides to arrive.”
Before the trade, it was clear that Reddick wanted an extension, and the Jets knew that before they made the trade. According to Douglas, the two sides discussed an extension before the trade went down.
“In simple terms, we did talk about an extension once one wasn’t agreed upon,” Douglas said. “We had the conversation, and we felt good about making the trade. Obviously, came here and reported. Had a great day here, and we’re just awaiting his arrival.”
While the Jets want to win now, Douglas plans on staying true to his plan.
“There is a sense of urgency in everything we do, but from our viewpoint, there are a lot of factors that go into decisions and how you want to operate,’ he said. “So, we have to stay true to our beliefs and our message and to the locker room.”
Both parties need each other, but at this point, both parties are dug in. However, a lot can happen in the 11th hour; if it doesn’t work out, this is a bad look for the Jets
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