FLORHAM PARK — Haason Reddick has been considered one of the most consistent edge rushers in the game for the last four seasons. With that, though, usually comes a contract worthy of that consistency.
After the New York Jets traded for Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles in April, the two sides knew they needed to work on a new contract extension that would offer the former first-round pick a pay raise.
That has yet to happen, though, and Reddick has made his response blunt.
Haason Reddick No-Shows at Jets Mandatory Minicamp
When Reddick was absent at Jets voluntary workouts, head coach Robert Saleh stated he expected the Pro Bowler to show up for mandatory work the following week.
That did not happen.
Reddick remains absent from team activities as they open mandatory minicamp Saleh confirmed to Pro Football Network.
The former Eagles, Panthers, and Cardinals player currently carries the 19th-most expensive contract for edge rushers behind the likes of former Jet Bryce Huff, Von Miller, and Jonathan Greenard.
Reddick remains one of just five edge rushers to record over 10+ sacks in each of the last four seasons of play — a measure of consistency the Pro Bowler hoped would give him a long-term deal that would pay him near the top other edge rushers in the game.
That has yet to happen, though.
“I know when it comes time to play football, like I said before, he’s gonna be ready to play football,” Saleh said.
When asked, Robert Saleh says that he's not concerned about Haason Reddick potentially not being with the Jets at the start of training camp:
"I know when it comes time to play football, like I said before, he's gonna be ready to play football." pic.twitter.com/Bzq3NekfmJ
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 11, 2024
Reddick’s absence is the latest example of New York’s trade with the Eagles not working as well as they could have hoped to start.
After sending a 2026 conditional third-round pick to Philadelphia, New York knew they needed to eventually extend Reddick, as his contract does not include guaranteed money past this season. As the weeks go on, though, and minimal contact is had with their representation, Reddick’s absence looms large.
Saleh did acknowledge that he spoke with the former Eagles player over the phone this past weekend, but Reddick’s absence has been a surprise to the Jets despite his lingering contract concern.
Can the Jets Afford Reddick?
As things currently stand, Reddick’s push to be one of the highest-paid edge defenders in the league runs counterintuitive with the team’s current cap space.
New York has a projected $6 million in cap space for the remainder of the 2024 season, one of the lowest in the NFL, and not enough to give Reddick the kind of multi-year pay raise he’s looking for.
While Reddick continues to hold out from offseason activities, the Jets can add cap space for him to be available once training camp begins, which is something Saleh fully expects in the coming months.
KEEP READING: 5 Takeaways From Day 1 of New York Jets Minicamp
Long-term restructures to players like Quinnen and Quincy Williams are all available for the Jets should they go that route. New York also still has to sign wide receiver Malachi Corley to his rookie contract.
While Reddick remains away from 1 Jets Drive, New York has plenty of ways to give the Pro Bowl edge rusher the kind of money he’s looking for.