Jets owner pleads with Haason Reddick to end resistance after Robert Saleh firing

One of the strangest situations in the NFL this season involved New York Jets star passer Haason Reddick. Reddick is struggling with the team as he seeks a brand new contract.

Despite being traded to New York this offseason, Reddick has not made the team. This caused some issues in the locker room, with the Jets missing a key piece of their defensive unit.

New York recently fired head coach Robert Saleh after a poor 2-3 start to the year. During the Saleh press conference, Jets owner Woody Johnson was asked about Reddick’s situation.

Johnson’s tone was welcoming, saying Reddick would be guided with open arms.

“But he has to get here first,” Johnson said. “So, Haason, get in your car, drive down I-95 and come to the New York Jets. We can meet you and give you an escort right into the building and you’ll fit right in and you’ll love it here. , and you’re going to feel welcome and you’re going to accomplish great things with us.”

The star pass rusher is looking for a trade if New York isn’t willing to offer him a new contract. However, the Jets pushed back on the idea, with general manager Joe Douglas saying they told him a deal wouldn’t happen.

“We have informed Haason that we will not trade him, that he should be here with his teammates and that he will continue to be fined under the CBA if he does not show up,” Douglas said in a statement. press release. “Since trade discussions in March, we have been clear, direct and consistent with our position. Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season.”

Reddick was acquired by the Jets in March for a conditional third-round draft pick, but skipped all team events. He racked up more than $8 million in fines and lost $4.2 million of his $14.25 million salary for this season by missing games.

The two sides discussed a new contract extension when he joined the team, but Reddick rejected the negotiations. He is in the final year of his contract and seems inclined to hold out as long as it takes.

Reddick has been one of the best passers in the NFL over the past few seasons, recording at least 11 sacks in each of the last four seasons. If he and the Jets can’t find a way to resolve this, both sides will have wasted time.

For more on the Jets and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.