The Jets' ongoing saga with Haason Reddick took a wild turn this week when the agency representing the star pass rusher parted ways with him. It was the latest odd event in a situation that has become increasingly unusual.
There appears to be no end in sight.
Yet, as sources say, there was a point early in the season when it seemed Reddick’s holdout would end with a reworked one-year deal that would’ve made him whole and much more.
The deal was all but worked out with his former agents at CAA and Jets management, sources say. Reddick, who is on the hook for millions and millions in fines, had a contract offer that would have given him the opportunity to make up for the fines and make more money than he was originally scheduled to earn.
The parties thought an amicable resolution would happen to allow the pass rusher to play for the Jets, earn his money back and have the opportunity to cash in again this offseason with a big 2024 in a defense coaches believe is perfect for him. Yet, Reddick declined to sign the deal.
At that point, the Jets had no choice but to move on and hope he shows up. Reddick simply wouldn’t come in, despite no clear win being available.
Wanting a multi-year deal that made him one of the higher-paid pass rushers in the NFL, Reddick resisted. It appears, at this moment, there is no market for such a deal.
Reddick was set to earn $14.25 million this season, and when the Jets traded with the Eagles for him he wanted a multi-year deal. New York had eyes on a one-year solution, with Reddick playing it out and being a free agent in 2025.
Currently the only NFL player holding out, Reddick must report by Week 13 to receive an accrued season, or his contract will toll and everyone will be in the same situation next year.
Reddick could also decide to walk away from the game, taking an even more principled stance.
This week, Jets owner Woody Johnson, in a news conference to discuss the firing of coach Robert Saleh, pleaded with Reddick to show up.
“Haason, get in your car, drive down (I)-95 and come to the New York Jets, and we can meet you and give you an escort right in the building and you'll fit right in,” Johnson said. “You're going to love it here and you're going to feel welcome and you're going to accomplish great things with us."
Asked to sum it up, Johnson said, “This is something I've never seen before, you know, and you've got even more years than I have. I don't think any of us have seen anything like this. I think you have to be part psychologist and part some-other gist to try and figure out what is actually going on.”
He said Reddick would be welcomed with open arms if and when he shows up.