Jets GM Joe Douglas Addresses Haason Reddick Holdout, Hopes For Linebacker’s Arrival

The New York Jets’ inherited contract dispute with Haason Reddick has gone quiet, with both sides seemingly digging in as the linebacker seeks a new contract.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas addressed the situation on Wednesday for the first time since Reddick arrived in April, affirming that the team is nowhere close to reaching a new agreement.

“Nothing has changed from our end,” Douglas said. “Obviously a ton of respect for Haason and awaiting his arrival and, you know, looking forward to when he does, he’s going to be welcomed with open arms.”

When the Philadelphia Eagles traded Reddick to the Jets earlier this year, he seemed to be an excellent addition to a stacked New York defense featuring Sauce Gardner, C.J. Mosley and D.J. Reed, among many others. The Jets did not arrange a new deal with Reddick before trading for him, assuming that he would play without agreeing to one. This seems to have been an error, as Reddick reported to team facilities soon after but has not interacted with the staff since.

With the regular season fast approaching, it is increasingly unlikely that Reddick will suit up for the Jets in Week 1, if he ever does so. Even under these circumstances, however, Douglas remains hopeful that the trade will ultimately prove beneficial.

“In simple terms, we did talk about an extension,” Douglas told reporters Thursday. “Once one wasn’t agreed upon, we had the conversation, and we felt good about making a trade. Obviously, he came here, reported, had a great day here. Again, we’re just awaiting his arrival.”

If the Jets and Reddick do not come to an agreement, it’s possible that the two-time Pro-Bowler gets traded again, likely to a team willing to extend his contract. In seven NFL seasons, he has amassed 58 sacks and 410 combined tackles, suggesting that he plenty to offer when he is on the field.