The New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas has made a statement regarding the unfolding Haason Reddick situation.
Douglas and the Jets have reiterated that New York will not fulfill the trade request of Reddick as he has not made any attempt to work with the team. Reddick was traded to the Jets in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round draft pick that went to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite Reddick requesting a trade like many expected during his holdout, the Jets front office still holds much of the leverage in this situation.
New York Jets Front Office Stands Tall, Refuses to Trade Star Rusher Haason Reddick
Just four months after being acquired by the New York Jets, star defensive end Haason Reddick has requested a trade to a different team. Reddick has not stepped foot in the Jets facility for the past 21 days after initially joining an introductory press conference and completing a physical. The Jets front office, who previously offered a contract extension to Reddick, have refused his trade request and insisted on focusing on the players on the field.
What Has Been the Cause of the Holdout From Reddick?
Reddick states that he is holding out while searching for a longer, more lucrative contract heading into this season. Previously, Reddick signed a three-year extension signed with the Eagles, but it was later voided. Upon initially being traded to the Jets, the front office offered Reddick an extension, but the defensive end declined as he felt it was ‘below market’.
Why are the New York Jets Refusing to Trade Reddick Despite his Request?
The main reason behind the New York Jets refusing to trade Reddick is due to the fact that the rusher has not reported to camp. From the perspective of the Jets front office, Reddick stepped foot in the facility once for an introduction and physical, and has since displayed no effort towards joining the team. Reddick was previously acquired from the Eagles just four months ago, where reportedly did not bring up contract discussions.
Reddick is slated to make $14.25 million this upcoming season with the Jets, and then is set to hit free agency after the remaining two-years of his original contract were voided. General Manager Joe Douglas stated his focus is on the “players who are going to help us on the field,” which likely points towards the Jets continuing to stand tall.
The last time a player sat out a season due to a holdout was running back Le’Veon Bell, who later signed with the New York Jets during the offseason. Bell missed the entirety of the 2018 season due to his holdout and later received a contract worth less than what the Pittsburgh Steelers had originally offered. While Bell and Reddick are in two different situations, sitting out even a portion of the season does not stand to benefit Reddick financially.
How Long can Reddick Holdout Before Giving In and Playing This Season?
The big question surrounding each holdout in sports is how long the athlete can or will holdout for the sake of their cause. History will show that many players in the past eventually chose to return to their team, but the Jets have not had the best of luck in the past.
Cornerback Darrell Revis sat out the majority of camp in 2010 waiting for a contract, and the Jets eventually struck an agreement with Revis worth $6 million a year. The deal did not get signed until just days before the regular season opener for the Jets.
Jamal Adams had also held out due to contract disputes and eventually requested a trade from the Jets. Adams eventually got his wish and was traded to the Seattle Seahawks, but only after he made critical remarks about nearly every staff member.
While history is not on their side, the fines could become too much for Reddick eventually and lead to the two sides coming to an agreement. Thus far, Reddick has accumulated $1.7 million worth of fines, which cannot be rescinded once they are issued. Reddick has already lost 11.9% of his total contract this season in fines, and could stand to lose nearly 20% by the start of the regular season.
