FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has witnessed nearly every little thing over twenty years within the NFL, however it is a new one: a teammate — edge rusher Haason Reddick — requesting a commerce earlier than displaying up for a single apply.
Uncommon, sure, however Rodgers mentioned Tuesday he needs Reddick will rethink his place. The four-time MVP hinted that he would possibly attain out to Reddick to attempt to persuade him to affix what he anticipates will likely be “a enjoyable journey” in 2024.
“There’s all the time new issues within the league,” Rodgers mentioned after apply. “I have been round 20 years; I’ve seen quite a lot of stuff. I feel as gamers we all the time first attempt to facet with the participant as a result of we all know what it is prefer to be a participant.
“I do not know him effectively. I had a pair messages with him, I consider, when he obtained traded. Clearly, we might love him to be right here, however we do not choose him for making an attempt to do what’s greatest for him. I feel what’s greatest for him is to be a Jet as a result of that is going to be a enjoyable journey. However he is obtained to make the most effective choice for him and his household.”
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Requested if he’ll converse to Reddick, a smiling Rodgers mentioned, “Yeah, it is potential. Something is feasible.”
On Monday, the twenty first day of his contract holdout, Reddick formally requested a commerce. In response, common supervisor Joe Douglas, who acquired the two-time Professional Bowler from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 29, mentioned in an announcement that Reddick’s camp was knowledgeable that he will not be traded.
Reddick, who has one yr remaining on his contract, visited the Jets’ facility on April 1 for an introductory information convention and a bodily. That was the final they’ve seen of him. The contract standoff has no finish in sight, with the 2 sides apparently at odds over whether or not he was promised a long-term extension.
“It is not irritating as a result of I do not management it,” coach Robert Saleh mentioned. “However we’re enthusiastic about our (defensive position) group. We’re nonetheless trying ahead for him to get right here when he is prepared. When he is prepared, we’ll embrace him with open arms and we’ll assault the moments that he brings us.”
Saleh mentioned he has spoken to Reddick, however he would not say when that occurred.
The Jets, underneath strain to make the playoffs amid a 13-year drought, acquired a handful of high-profile vets within the offseason, maybe none larger than Reddick. They noticed him as the ultimate, lacking piece on their third-ranked protection.
Reddick, 29, is being fined a compulsory $50,000 per day, bringing his coaching camp invoice as much as $1.1 million. As well as, he has collected an estimated $300,000 in discretionary fines in camp. Beforehand, he was fined $100,000 for skipping minicamp and he forfeited a $250,000 exercise bonus. All instructed, it is $1.75 million in misplaced cash.
Saleh did not need to get into the main points of the stalemate, deferring to Douglas’ assertion, which mentioned Reddick will proceed to be fined till he studies. Douglas wasn’t made accessible to the media. Reddick, as a result of make a non-guaranteed $14.25 million in base pay, needs a contract commensurate with the highest edge rushers. He is considered searching for about $24 million per yr. The Jets made an extension provide on the time of the commerce, however Reddick felt it was effectively beneath market, sources mentioned.
Nonetheless, Reddick confirmed up for his information convention, sounding upbeat that one thing can be labored out.
After their preliminary provide, the Jets determined to desk talks till later, or after the season, sources mentioned. That did not sit effectively with Reddick, who anticipated negotiations to proceed. His need for a brand new contract was no secret; it is the explanation why the Eagles traded him regardless of wonderful manufacturing over the previous two seasons (27 sacks).
The Jets traded a 2026 conditional third-round choose to the Eagles. Saleh insisted the holdout is not a distraction.
“It is not,” he mentioned. “I promise you, it is not.”
