In his Tuesday media availability, the New York Jets’ head coach spoke about the absence of the team’s newest edge rusher
With mandatory minicamp around the corner, one key New York Jets defender is still not at practice.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, head coach Robert Saleh said that edge rusher Haason Reddick has not been in the building and that he does not know why. He added that the team has not had contact with him, but they know where he is and what he’s doing. Saleh deferred questions about Reddick’s contract status to general manager Joe Douglas.
Saleh addressed the impact of not having Reddick involved with the program.
“Obviously as a coach, you selfishly want everyone here all the time. But, it is voluntary and I am thankful for the guys who are here putting in their work. Those are the guys who I’m going to focus on.”
#Jets HC Robert Saleh said “you want everyone here,” but OTAs are voluntary. Haason Reddick hasn’t been here at all, Saleh said, and he hasn’t had any contact with him. Said they do know where he is and what he’s doing.
Saleh said he doesn’t know if this is contract related —…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) June 4, 2024
Saleh later added that he expects Reddick to be at mandatory minicamp.
While some may be concerned about the situation around Reddick, it seems pretty straightforward at the moment. Reddick is looking for a new contract and likely does not want to risk his health during optional practices. The Jets, knowing their present and future cap situation, also may be hesitant to immediately enter talks with a pass rusher approaching 30 years old.
At the end of the day, it is still the beginning of the summer. The season is about three months away, and training camp has not even started. Even if Reddick doesn’t show up to next week’s mandatory minicamp practices, Jets fans should not panic with so much time remaining until the start of the year.
