After a lengthy holdout, New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick is “fired up” to be in the building, says interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
“I had a brief meeting with him this morning,” Ulbrich said. “He’s fired up, ready to get rolling with us. Got a few things from a physical standpoint that he’s got to get assessed, but then he’s going to be fully integrated in all we do.”
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According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Reddick and the Jets agreed on an adjusted contract while “continuing to work towards” a long-term extension with the team, according to Reddick’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
Ulbrich also clarified that he is unsure when Reddick will make his season debut.
“We got to see what it looks like,” Ulbrich said. “He’s in great spirits; he says he’s in great shape. Obviously, he’s got to get out there and spend some time with us first before we make that decision.
“As he starts to learn our defense and get integrated in what we do, he’s probably going to be more of a pass rusher, but then, in time, he’s a guy that has absolutely the ability to play every down and help us in every way.”
Additionally, Ulbrich said he believes the team will welcome him with open arms.
“I’m confident that this locker room is going to embrace him with open arms,” Ulbrich said. “I really am. They know what he provides us from a football standpoint, and, in time, they’re going to get to know the human being who’s as high a character person in this league as there is.”
Linebacker Quincy Williams also said he had a conversation with the Jets’ star edge rusher, saying that Reddick is “excited he’s here, and then on top of that, he’s very excited to get into the playbook so he can start helping us get some Ws.”
As Reddick acclimates to his new surroundings, he brings a proven track record as one of the NFL’s top pass-rushers, recording at least 11 sacks in each of the past four seasons and leading the league with 13 forced fumbles over that span.
