It didn’t take long for drama to find the New York Jets this summer. While the mainstream media has finally moved on from the Aaron Rodgers minicamp debacle, another issue has quickly supplanted that news story. This time, it revolves around DE Haason Reddick in what’s been a never-ending cycle of “will he, or won’t he”.
The dance between the New York Jets and Haason Reddick
This offseason, the NY Jets traded to acquire Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional third round pick. One stipulation of that trade was that the Jets would need to work out a contract extension with Reddick – the whole purpose of him seeking a trade leaving Philadelphia to begin with.
Reports have stated that the Jets originally offered an extension to Reddick (and have guaranteed the non-guaranteed portion of his 2024 salary). However, it’s unclear how large that offer was. Regardless, it was rejected by Reddick at the time, in which the Jets opted to re-visit the extension during the summer.
As it turned out, Reddick wasn’t going to give in so easily.
Instead of showing up for OTA’s, minicamp, and even training camp, Reddick has been on the figurative sidelines awaiting a contract extension. And, the waiting has already made a dent in his pockets.
Up to this point, the Jets DE has amassed fines exceeding $1 million. And on Monday, Reddick requested a trade from the Jets. Yet according to a statement made by general manager Joe Douglas, it doesn’t seem like the team will budge anytime soon.
Jets GM Joe Douglas on Haason Reddick’s trade request: pic.twitter.com/N5SekYjzEB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2024
A mess that could have been avoided
While many Jets fans are on the side of the team here, it should be noted that this entire situation could have been avoided. In fact, it was Douglas’ own follies that put the team in this position to begin with.
This offseason, Douglas let one of their best budding pass rushers in Bryce Huff walk. He ended up signing a deal with the Eagles, and there’s been rumors that the Jets put little effort in their attempts to retain their homegrown star.
According to Huff, the Jets never attempted to speak with him or his agent during his final season with the team. Instead, Douglas opted to wait until the offseason before offering a contract that Huff didn’t feel was equal to the value he brought to the team. It’s hard to find elite young pass rushers, and it seems like the Jets let one slip away for no reason. However, this isn’t the only player the Jets moved on from without speaking to.
Also this offseason, New York traded John Franklin-Myers from the Jets to the Denver Broncos for a sixth round pick. JFM was an unheralded player who became a cornerstone of the Jets defense. His versatility gave the Jets defensive line plenty of looks. However, it’s the reasoning behind the trade that should have Jets fans fuming.
Speaking to the media, Douglas all but admitted that the trade to acquire Reddick signaled the end of JFM’s tenure in New York.
“Yeah, that was a difficult one,” started Douglas. “When we made the trade for Haason, we knew it was going to be next to impossible to keep JFM at his salary. I talked to JFM, I talked to [his representation], they were great. We opened it up to let them explore a trade elsewhere, so that was a few weeks ago obviously after we traded for Haason.”
What’s interesting is that JFM restructured his contract with the Broncos to a feasible number. One the Jets could have retained him for – but didn’t. And despite the front office claiming they made a serious attempt at keeping JFM, the former New York player revealed that the team didn’t offer anything close to his restructure.
They didn’t offer me anything close to this 🥴 https://t.co/Tsbl5paSLb
— John Franklin-Myers (@J_FranklinMyers) May 2, 2024
The worst part though, is that we’re seeing these contract “negotiations” take place with nickelback Michael Carter II, too. Per Rich Cimini of ESPN, as of June, the Jets haven’t attempted to contact MC2 or his representatives. Carter is in the final year of his contract and has proven to be the best slot cornerback in the NFL. Not to mention, he’s only 25 years old. Despite that, it seems like the Jets general managers is about to let yet another talent slip through the cracks.
It’s okay to admit mistakes
While fans can argue about who’s right in the Reddick-Jets contract standoff, one thing is certain: Douglas made a mistake.
Whether the mistake was letting Huff walk, trading JFM, or the acquisition of Reddick itself, these three moves will forever be intertwined due to how they occurred. And unless (or until) Reddick returns and performs at a high level, this will be another black mark in the general manager’s tenure.
