Insider shares alarming update on Jets, Haason Reddick standoff

The New York Jets acquired Pro Bowl pass-rusher Haason Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles this past spring but were without his services throughout training camp and the preseason as he stayed away from the team amid a contract holdout and a desire for an extension. 

On Sunday, NFL/Jets insider Connor Hughes of SNY hinted that Reddick could remain a non-participant through New York's regular-season opener at the San Francisco 49ers next Monday night.

"I’ll tell you what I’ve been told each time I’ve checked in," Hughes explained about Reddick's status. "There is a chance he reports within the next 24 hours, and there’s an equal chance he doesn’t report at all. It really is an old-fashioned standoff. I did touch base with a couple of sources who know Reddick. They believe if he really wants to sit out, he’ll sit out the entire year. He’s not a player who will be swayed by public opinion. Logic says he’ll eventually end this, but, in this case, you just don’t know." 

Reddick has no direct ties to the Jets, as he's never played a down for the organization. According to Spotrac, he's earned over $51M from NFL contracts since 2017. That would indicate he can afford to miss out on a game check or two if he's serious about being paid sooner rather than later. 

As for the Jets, general manager Joe Douglas has repeatedly insisted he's not trading Reddick heading into what could become a make-or-break season for Douglas, head coach Robert Saleh and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. It was revealed recently that at least one anonymous NFL agent thinks the Jets are in "complete disarray over there" ahead of Week 1 of the upcoming campaign. 

NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated predicted that the Jets will ultimately "do something to help [Reddick] save face" such as give him "a package of incentives tied to team success" so he reports in time to feature against San Francisco. Breer reiterated that take for a piece published on Monday, but Hughes suggested such a resolution isn't imminent. 

"I do believe this drags into the regular season because that’s the only time leverage can change," Hughes added. "The Jets insist they’re fine without him. Reddick says he’s willing to sit out the year. ...Once it’s clear that Reddick isn’t a luxury but a necessity, he and his representatives can demand the contract he desires. Until then, though, it’s a waiting game." 

In short, Reddick may find himself hoping that the Jets defense flops in a big way at Levi's Stadium on the night of Sept. 9.