Jets' Haason Reddick not reporting to training camp, source confirms

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Aaron Rodgers reported for work on Tuesday. Haason Reddick did not.

Reddick was a no-show when Jets players reported for the start of training camp. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive end is officially holding out due to a contract dispute.

This is not how the Jets wanted to open a season that’s filled with high expectations and hopes that they can end their 13-year playoff drought and compete for a Super Bowl. Reddick, 29, was the Jets’ big offseason pickup on defense.

They acquired Reddick from Philadelphia in April for a conditional sixth-round pick. He became available because the Eagles wouldn’t give Reddick, who is making $14.5 million in the final year of his contract, a new deal. Instead Philadelphia gave him permission to find a trade.

The Jets and Reddick had plenty of time to work out a deal, but the two sides have made little progress.

An NFL source said the Jets offered Reddick a contract extension around the time of the trade, but it was rejected. The Jets expected Reddick to attend their offseason workouts while they continued to negotiate. Reddick skipped all of OTAs and the mandatory minicamp. The Jets still want to get something done, but a source said they don’t plan to negotiate a deal while Reddick is holding out.

It’s unclear how long this will go on or who will blink first. The Jets already fined Reddick for missing the mandatory minicamp. Reddick is now subject to being docked $50,000 a day during this holdout, according to the collective bargaining agreement. That could motivate him to join the Jets.

Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, who didn’t attend OTAs last year because he wanted a new deal, is confident something will get done. Williams signed his extension the week before training camp started last year.

“I know how the organization works, I know how Joe Douglas and Coach [Robert] Saleh and all those guys work,” Williams said. “Knowing [Reddick] personally as a great competitor and a great person who wants to be here, who wants to win championships, I know they’re going to get everything ironed out.”

Williams said he doesn’t get involved in other players’ business. He called Reddick “a game-changer” and can’t wait to play with him. Reddick totaled 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons – the fourth-most in the NFL in that time

“I know he’s an amazing football player, I know he’s an amazing person, I know this organization is amazing when it comes down to getting those things done in a decent time,” Williams said. “I’m pretty sure they’re going to iron everything out.

“He’s a phenomenal football player. When he steps on this field, he changes the whole thing, whole aura just because he’s a guy who can put up 15-plus sacks a year, 10-plus sacks a year. I’m just blessed to have him on my side.”

Reddick was brought in to replace last season’s sack leader, Bryce Huff, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Eagles. Reddick is an upgrade, but he’s missing valuable time with his new team.

Athletic second-year defensive end Will McDonald should get the first-team reps until Reddick shows up.

“We know he’s a pro,” linebacker C.J. Mosley said of Reddick. “He’s been at the highest level of competition. I’m sure whenever that gets worked out, he’ll be here ready to roll. When he gets here, he’ll just be another great player to add to our defensive line.”

The only other Jet who missed the mandatory minicamp in June was Rodgers. He had a pre-planned trip to Egypt. Saleh called that absence “unexcused.”

Rodgers took criticism for not attending minicamp. In typical Rodgers’ fashion, he trolled his critics when he arrived at the Jets’ facility bright and early Tuesday morning, wearing a T-shirt from his Egyptian vacation.

The Jets have upgraded many positions and, most importantly, strengthened the line. But Rodgers is a main reason for the optimism around the Jets.

Rodgers, a four-time MVP, played only four snaps last season before tearing his left Achilles. He’s motivated to lead the Jets on a playoff run and his teammates are eager to follow him.

“We got a great quarterback who sets the standard every single day when he comes in here,” Williams said. “It’s greatness.”

Receiver Garrett Wilson echoed that, saying Rodgers “demands greatness.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.