The New York Jets may not have the luxury to be laissez-faire with one of their star defensive linemen any longer as the offseason reaches a critical marker this week.
Jets star outside linebacker Haason Reddick has been hush about whether or not he will participate in the team’s mandatory minicamp, scheduled to start on Tuesday, June 11. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post shared an update on Reddick’s status, via Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com:
“When approached Saturday by the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy for an interview, Reddick declined to speak. The veteran, who hasn’t been around the team this spring but was wearing a Jets shirt at an event in Camden, N.J., did not respond when asked if he plans to attend minicamp,” Bergman relayed.
Jets: Haason Reddick is continuing his holdout from OTAs into the 2024 minicamp
Reddick decided to sit out of the entirety of the Jets’ organized team activities this spring. Jets head coach Robert Saleh did not express concern about the two-time Pro Bowler’s absence given the optional nature of the workouts and Reddick’s adamancy on wanting a contract extension.
The 29-year-old is slated to earn $14.25 million in the final year of the deal he originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the 2022 campaign before getting traded to New York this offseason. His 11 sacks and 23 quarterback hits in 2023 merit a larger long-term contract, but the Jets appear to be farther away from coming to those terms than would be assumed for a player of Reddick’s caliber.
Reddick’s presence is important for the Jets to build chemistry this spring
No matter, New York’s front office and coaching staff may need to raise their antennas on the elongated situation. Though they are one of several teams that did not opt to eradicate minicamp from their offseason program, the Jets are holding the workouts to build team chemistry. Reddick will be one of, if not the biggest focal points of their defense in 2024, so his presence will be vital in building team camaraderie.