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Rich Cimini, ESPN Staff Writer
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Pro Bowl pass-rusher Haason Reddick, one of the New York Jets‘ biggest offseason additions, is skipping OTA practices because of an apparent desire for a new contract.
Jets coach Robert Saleh said he’s had no recent communication with Reddick, who was acquired in a March 29 trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Saleh declined to say whether Reddick’s absence is contract-related, deferring to general manager Joe Douglas, who typically doesn’t speak to the media during OTAs.
“I’m focused on the guys who are here and Haason’s a pro,” Saleh said. “He’s been in this league a while. He’s produced it at a very high level for a long time. He’s got his routine and if it makes people feel better, we know where he’s at, we know what he’s doing and we know he’s working his tail off to get where he needs to get you to have a productive ’24 season.”
It’s a costly decision for Reddick, who will forfeit a $250,000 workout bonus for not attending the voluntary workouts. Reddick, 29, is due to make a non-guaranteed $14.25 million in base pay in the final year of the three-year, $45 million contract he signed with the Eagles.
The Jets’ mandatory minicamp is next week. Saleh said he expects Reddick to attend. If not, players are subject to a fine.
Reddick, one of the NFL’s most prolific edge rushers, wanted the Eagles to extend his contract. The Eagles decided to move on, giving him permission to seek a trade. The Jets, who lost pass-rusher Bryce Huff to the Eagles in free agency, made the move for Reddick knowing his contract could become an issue. They sent a conditional 2026 third-round pick to the Eagles.
After the trade, Reddick told reporters that he’d let his agent and Douglas sort out the contract matter, suggesting that he is seeking a new deal. He added, “Whatever happens, I’m going to be happy. I’m going to give him all, no matter what.”
Reddick has recorded 50.5 sacks over the past four seasons, fourth in the NFL over that span. The only players with more are T.J. Watt (62), Myles Garrett (58) and Trey Hendrickson (53). Reddick wants his salary to reflect his production. Currently, his $15 million average annual value ranks 19th among edge rushers, according to OverTheCap.com.
This sets up a potential dilemma for the Jets. Typically, Douglas doesn’t hand out multiyear deals to players beyond their second contract. This offseason, the Jets signed left tackle Tyron Smith, 33, and wide receiver Mike Williams, 30, both of whom received one-year deals.
The Jets expect Reddick to be an every-down player. In fact, they’re so committed to him that they traded defensive end John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos.
“He’s an amazing player,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said of Reddick. “When that guy gets on the field on third down or passing situations, he is an absolute problem. And he’s going to continue to be a problem [against] other opponents for us.”
Source: www.espn.com