Haason Reddick has received the green light to pursue a trade, as confirmed by New York Jets owner Woody Johnson during the NFL’s fall meetings in Atlanta on Tuesday.
Reddick has yet to take the field this season due to a contract dispute with the Jets, who brought him in from Philadelphia in late March in hopes of enhancing their pass rush. Since the trade was finalized, the prominent edge rusher has been absent from the team, despite passing his physical on April 1.
Drew Rosenhaus, Reddick’s new agent alongside Ryan Matha, expressed optimism about resolving the issues swiftly. Rosenhaus was present at the Jets’ 23-20 loss against Buffalo on Monday night, likely to discuss matters with Jets officials.
“He would like to be a New York Jet for years to come,” Rosenhaus stated just before the game, “and our goal is to make that happen.”
However, Reddick appears eager to explore opportunities elsewhere. When asked if the Jets had allowed him to seek a trade, Johnson replied succinctly: “Yes.”
During a conference call last Tuesday addressing the firing of coach Robert Saleh, Johnson directly encouraged Reddick to remain with the team.
The 30-year-old Reddick initially requested a trade on August 12, but general manager Joe Douglas swiftly dismissed the notion, asserting that the Jets would not fulfill his request. Yet, it seems the situation is shifting in that direction.
This development follows the Jets’ agreement to acquire wide receiver Davante Adams from Las Vegas, reuniting him with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as reported by two sources familiar with the situation.
Reddick was placed on the reserve/did not report list on July 25, the second day of the team’s training camp. His absence has led to approximately $5 million in fines for skipping mandatory workouts and training camp, in addition to losing a game check for each missed appearance, totaling nearly another $5 million.
The Jets might consider their options with teams in need of pass-rushing support, such as the Detroit Lions, who are facing a significant loss with star Aidan Hutchinson out for the season due to a broken tibia and fibula.
Originally, Reddick was set to earn $14.25 million in non-guaranteed base salary for the final year of his contract. However, after the Philadelphia Eagles declined to offer him a long-term extension, he sought a trade and ultimately ended up with the Jets.
