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Rich Cimini, editor at ESPN
FLORHAM PARK, NJ — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has seen just about everything in his two decades in the NFL, but this is new: A teammate – edge rusher Haason Reddick – demanding a transfer without showing up to a single practice.
Unusual, yes, but Rodgers said Tuesday he would like Reddick to reconsider his position. The four-time MVP hinted that he might contact Reddick to convince him to join the team in 2024, which he expects to be “a fun ride.”
“There’s always something new in the league,” Rodgers said after practice. “I’ve been around for 20 years and I’ve seen a lot. I think as players we always try to be on the player’s side first because we know what it’s like to be a player.”
“I don’t know him well. I think I exchanged a few messages with him when he was traded. Obviously we’d love to have him here, but we don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for himself. I think the best thing for him is to be a Jet because that’s going to be a great time. But he has to make the best decision for himself and his family.”
When asked if he would talk to Reddick, a smiling Rodgers said, “Yes, that’s possible. Anything is possible.”
On Monday, the 21st day of his contract extension, Reddick officially requested a trade. In response, general manager Joe Douglas, who signed the two-time Pro Bowler from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 29, said in a statement that Reddick’s camp had been informed that he would not be traded.
Reddick, who has one year left on his contract, visited the Jets’ facility on April 1 for an introductory press conference and physical. That was the last time they saw him. The contract dispute is not on the cards, and the two sides are apparently at odds over whether he was promised a long-term extension.
“It’s not frustrating because I don’t control it,” coach Robert Saleh said. “But we’re excited about our (defensive line) group. We’re still excited for him to come here when he’s ready. When he’s ready, we’ll welcome him with open arms and take advantage of the moments he brings us.”
Saleh said he spoke to Reddick but declined to say when that happened.
The Jets, under pressure to make the playoffs despite a 13-year drought, signed a handful of high-profile veterans in the offseason, none bigger than Reddick, who they saw as the last missing piece of the puzzle in their third-best defense.
Reddick, 29, must pay a $50,000 per day fine, bringing his training camp costs to $1.1 million. In addition, he has accumulated an estimated $300,000 in discretionary penalties in training camp. He was previously fined $100,000 for skipping minicamp and lost a $250,000 training bonus. That’s a total of $1.75 million in lost money.
Saleh declined to elaborate on the specifics of the standoff, pointing to Douglas’ statement saying Reddick will continue to be punished until he comes forward. Douglas was unavailable to the media. Reddick, who is set to make a non-guaranteed base salary of $14.25 million, wants a contract in line with the best edge rushers. He is believed to be asking for about $24 million per year. The Jets made an extension offer at the time of the trade, but Reddick felt it was well below market value, sources said.
Nevertheless, Reddick showed up for his press conference and sounded confident that something would be resolved.
After their first offer, the Jets decided to delay talks until later or after the season, sources said. That didn’t sit well with Reddick, who expected negotiations to continue. His desire for a new contract was no secret; that’s why the Eagles traded him despite his excellent performance in the last two seasons (27 sacks).
The Jets traded a conditional third-round pick for 2026 with the Eagles. Saleh stressed that the strike was not a diversionary tactic.
“It’s not that,” he said. “I promise you that.”
