The Haason Reddick story keeps getting weirder.
After learning that Reddick was dropped by his agency, a new report indicates that the New York Jets nearly came to an agreement on a deal with Reddick’s agents, until Reddick himself squashed the negotiations.
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According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jets and Reddick’s agents were negotiating a one-year deal that would have paid Reddick “far more” than he was initially set to make, but Reddick turned down the offer.
There is no end in sight for Haason Reddick. But early in the season, it appeared his holdout would end.
The #Jets and his agents were negotiating a 1-year deal to allow him to make far more than he was originally set to make. He turned it down.
Story: https://t.co/XmSSU8DcFs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2024
Rapoport reports, “The deal was all but worked out with his former agents at CAA and Jets management, sources say. Reddick, who is on the hook for millions and millions in fines, had a contract offer that would have given him the opportunity to make up for the fines and make more money than he was originally scheduled to earn.
“The parties thought an amicable resolution would happen to allow the pass rusher to play for the Jets, earn his money back and have the opportunity to cash in again this offseason with a big 2024 in a defense coaches believe is perfect for him. Yet, Reddick declined to sign the deal.”
Reddick was initially slated to make a base salary of $14.25 million in 2024, the third year of a three-year, $45 million contract he signed with Philadelphia in 2022.
Reports have indicated that Reddick is seeking at least $25 million per year on his next contract. That would tie him with Myles Garrett for the fifth-highest salary among edge rushers, trailing T.J. Watt, Brian Burns, Josh Hines-Allen, and Nick Bosa.
New York added the two-time Pro Bowler hoping he could boost the sack production of a defensive line that has excelled at generating pressure but has been slightly less adept at finishing sacks. Despite Reddick’s absence and the early loss of Jermaine Johnson to a season-ending Achilles injury, the Jets’ pass rush has held up shockingly well so far. The Jets have the NFL’s second-highest sack rate (10.8%) and third-highest pressure rate (40.8%).
While much of that success can be attributed to the Jets’ league-best coverage, it would not be possible without the breakout of second-year edge rusher Will McDonald, who has fully maximized the opportunity presented by Reddick’s absence. McDonald is tied for second in the NFL with 6.0 sacks.
The Jets will need more of the same from McDonald, as it looks more unlikely than ever that the Reddick situation will be resolved. With Reddick having no representation at the moment, along with the new public knowledge that Reddick himself has been holding all of this up, it is beginning to feel extremely unlikely that he will ever play a snap for New York.