The Jets commence their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Whether newly acquired edge rusher Haason Reddick will be there is up in the air.
When approached Saturday by the New York Post's Ryan Dunleavy for an interview, Reddick declined to speak. The veteran, who hasn't been around the team this spring but was wearing a Jets shirt at an event in Camden, N.J., did not respond when asked if he plans to attend minicamp.
Reddick, who was acquired by New York this offseason from the Eagles for a conditional third-round pick in 2026, is seeking a new contract. The 29-year-old pass rusher has just one year left on his deal and is set to earn $14.25 million.
It's no surprise then that Reddick did not show for voluntary organized team activities in May and earlier this month, reportedly forfeiting a $250,000 workout bonus by not reporting for New York's offseason program.
Jets coach Robert Saleh did not seem concerned last week when asked about Reddick's conspicuous absence, telling reporters he expected to see him at mandatory camp.
"I'm focused on the guys who are here," Saleh said last Tuesday. "Haason's a pro. He's been in this league a while. He's produced at a very high level for a long time. He's got his routine. If it makes people feel better, we know where he's at, we know what he's doing. We know he's working his tail off to get where he needs to get to to have a productive '24 season."
If Reddick doesn't show up for mandatory minicamp, he can be fined more than $50,000.
In trading for Reddick, the Jets replaced Bryce Huff, who ended up replacing Reddick in Philadelphia. Huff's three-year, $51.1 million contract gives him a higher average annual value than what Reddick is earning on his current deal, which was negotiated by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. It'll be on Jets GM Joe Douglas to overcome the impasse.
Reddick, who has tallied at least 11 sacks in each of his last four seasons, is joining an already elite defense in New York, led by Quinnen Williams on the defensive line, C.J. Mosley at the second level and Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed in the secondary. Joining young threats Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV, Reddick was acquired to give the Jets that consistent edge on the edge they haven't had in decades.
But until Reddick shows up to the facility and/or his contract concerns are resolved, the Jets defense will have to wait for takeoff.
