New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told reporters on Tuesday that despite Pro Bowl pass rusher Haason Reddick's weekslong holdout and Monday's trade request, the situation isn't a concern.
“It’s not a distraction, I promise you it’s not.” Saleh said he has been in contact with Reddick, but wouldn’t say when. #NYJets #JetUp
— Kate Rooney (@TheKateRooney) August 13, 2024
Saleh declines to elaborate on Joe Douglas’ comments from yesterday’s statement on Reddick, specifically the comment about the team being consistent with its position during the stalemate. He declined to say what that position is. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 13, 2024
Gang Green acquired Reddick in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles over four months ago, but the two-time Pro Bowler has been holding out in hopes of a contract extension since training camp opened in late July.
Reddick is due $14.25M in base salary in 2024, though his holdout has already cost him over $1M in total fines, including his missed time during minicamp earlier in the offseason.
Things took another dramatic turn when the former 13th overall pick asked for a trade on Monday. The Jets quickly responded on social media, saying that they wouldn't grant the request.
Saleh has been doing his best to deal with sideshow after sideshow, telling the media that the team hasn't been distracted by quarterback Aaron Rodgers' off-the-field escapades. While Rodgers is a crucial piece to turning around the Jets' abysmal offense from 2023, Reddick was supposed to add to New York's already stacked defense.
After joining the Eagles in March 2022, the 29-year-old turned into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL.
Reddick led the league in forced fumbles (five) in 2022 and was second in sacks (16.0) that year as well. He finished the 2022 season as a second team All-Pro, earning his first Pro Bowl honor and finishing fourth in the AP Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Reddick was a Pro Bowler again in 2023 after leading Philadelphia in tackles for loss (13) and sacks (11.0), while tying for the top spot in quarterback hits (23). He's been a consistent force over the past four years, posting between 11.0 and 16.0 sacks each season.
Now, despite Saleh's words, Reddick's relationship with the Jets may be over before it even began.
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