Jets' Woody Johnson sends message to Haason Reddick after Robert Saleh firing

It's clear New York Jets owner Woody Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday in part because Johnson feels his 2-3 team has the goods to compete for more than just a playoff berth under Jeff Ulbrich, who was promoted from defensive coordinator to interim head coach.

During a media conference call related to Saleh's dismissal, Johnson sent a message to pass-rusher Haason Reddick amid his holdout that seemingly has no end in sight. 

"Haason, get in your car, drive down [Interstate] 95, and come to the New York Jets — and we can meet you and give you an escort right into the building," Johnson said, as shared by Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com. "You’ll fit right in. You’re going to love it here, and you’re going to feel welcome. And you’re going to accomplish great things with us." 

General manager Joe Douglas reportedly believed when the Jets acquired Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles this past spring that the 30-year-old would feature for Gang Green during the season under the terms of his current contract. Reddick instead stayed away from the Jets from the start of springtime workouts through the team's first five games even though there's no sign he'll receive either an extension from the club or a trade to a different team willing to pay him what he feels he deserves. 

According to ESPN stats, the Reddick-less Jets began Tuesday responsible for the NFL's second-ranked passing defense (136.6 yards surrendered per game). Per the StatMuse website, the Jets are fourth in the league with a total of 18.0 sacks recorded on the campaign. 

"This is something I’ve never seen before," Johnson added about the Reddick saga. "I don’t think any of us have seen anything like this. I think you have to be part psychologist and part some other, just to try to figure out: 'What is actually going on?' I hope that the young man can come to the team. We’d like to have Haason here. We’d welcome him with open arms." 

According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, Reddick could lose up to $21.75M if he holds out through the rest of the season. Additionally, the Jets would retain Reddick's rights for 2025 if such a scenario played out. 

Logic suggests Reddick will eventually make a business decision and report to the Jets this fall. Johnson insisted the veteran will find "a very welcome locker room" whenever that day arrives.