It came as little surprise when Jets edge rusher Haason Reddick didn’t show up for day one of training camp. After all, he’d skipped all team activities this offseason, voluntary or not, and wants a new contract.
While a veteran holding out isn’t the end of the world, there are points at which things become more serious. In the case of Reddick, he may have entered that point today. Not only from a financial standpoint as his fines are now in the range of $700,000, but in terms of preparedness.
Nov 20, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick (7) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
As we discussed here, the Jets put the pads on for the first time today after a few days of ramping up last week. With no sign of Reddick in sight despite some reported progress, this could be a problem.
Should the holdout progress further, his teammates are that much closer to being at game speed which could have Reddick coming in and pushing too hard too fast to get caught up. It’s not unheard of and something fans will remember from the Darrelle Revis holdout in 2010 when he missed time due to an early hamstring issue.
The Jets are fortunate in that Reddick is more of an “icing on the cake” player given their loaded defensive line, but his addition was supposed to be a move that dramatically improved and already stellar defense.
Reports as camp opened up suggested it was Reddick who reneged on the agreement he’d come to with the team. That report said Reddick agreed to show up to camp in hopes of doing enough to earn a new deal from the Jets. It seems Reddick changed his mind at some point as he now sits and waits for a new deal while playing with fire as he misses time while his teammates move forward.
