FLORHAM PARK – The Jets open the season against the 49ers in 11 days. It sure seems like they’ll do so without Haason Reddick.
The pass rusher, whom the team traded for from the Eagles earlier this offseason, remains a holdout. Jets general manager Joe Douglas said on Thursday that he has not had any recent communication with Reddick’s representation (CAA’s Tory Dandy), nor has he spoken to Reddick himself since April 1.
Douglas did add that he will welcome Reddick back with open arms when he decides to report, but there was no indication that return is imminent.
It feels a bit repetitive at this point. That’s because there really hasn’t been an update since Reddick boycotted the offseason program and minicamp. He refuses to show up without a new or adjusted contract. The Jets refuse to give him either until he shows up. It’s an old-fashioned standoff and neither side is blinking.
You get it from Reddick’s point of view. He has double-digit sacks each of the last four years. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. There are countless games, many of them in big spots, where he’s come through. The tape is there. He has $14.25 million in unguaranteed money left on his contract. He’s not willing to risk injury.
The Jets aren’t concerned with the player. Douglas said he just wants to see Reddick in the building, walking around. He has other players on the team who want new deals (cornerback DJ Reed). It sets a bad precedent to pay Reddick, who hasn’t done anything for them, in turn spurning Reed.
Douglas said the Jets' stance has not changed dating back to when the Eagles gave New York permission to speak to Reddick. There has been “clear and direct” communication. Things are no different now. Reddick needs to report and commit before the Jets do anything.
“The ball’s in their court,” Douglas said.
The fines issued to Reddick are immense at this point. This is Day 38 of Reddick’s holdout. He’s been fined $50,000 ($1.9 million) for each. He also has foregone a $250,000 workout bonus by skipping the offseason program and is subject to an additional $300,000 fine for missing the first five days of camp. He will be fined an additional sum for skipping the Jets' three preseason games, although it’s unclear how much because of an adjusted contract signed when still with the Eagles.
Either way: It’s been a very costly summer for Reddick.
Douglas did not get into specifics regarding if Reddick told him he’s willing to sit out the entire season. At this point he and the Jets are focused on those who are here. The Jets are content with their defensive end situation featuring Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons, Will McDonald, Eric Watts, and Braiden McGregor.
Granted, it’s easy to say that now. It becomes a bit harder if the Jets fall in the opener and don’t attack San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy.
"I have faith that this will all get resolved," Douglas said.
When is still the pressing question.