Jets' Aaron Rodgers says he's going to reach out to holdout Haason Reddick
Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick walks off the field after the Buccaneers scored in the fourth quarter in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., on Jan. 15. Credit: TNS/Yong Kim
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Aaron Rodgers plans to reach out to Haason Reddick and tell him not to miss out on what could be a special year for the Jets.
Reddick, who is holding out for a new contract, requested a trade from the Jets on Monday.
“We’d love for him to be here,” Rodgers said. “We don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for him. I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride. He’s got to make the best decision for him and his family.”
When asked if he would contact Reddick and give him that message, Rodgers said, “Yeah.”
Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, would be a huge addition to the defensive line and improve the Jets’ chances of making the playoffs and going on a run.
The Jets traded for Reddick in March after he requested a trade from the Eagles because he wanted a new deal. Reddick showed up for his physical, held an introductory Zoom with reporters and expressed excitement about being a Jet. Reddick hasn’t been back.
He skipped all of the Jets’ off-season program, mandatory minicamp and his holdout has reached 22 days.
General manager Joe Douglas released a statement Monday saying the Jets would not trade Reddick. Robert Saleh said that he’s focused on the players that are here and they will welcome Reddick when he does report.
“We’re excited about our group,” Saleh said. “Still looking forward for him to get here when he’s ready and when he’s ready we’re going to embrace him with open arms and get ready to attack the moments that he brings to us.”
It is an odd situation since Reddick has yet to have a single practice with the Jets.
“There’s always new things in the league,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been around 20 years. I’ve seen a lot of stuff. As players we always first try and side with the player because we know what it’s like to be a player.”
Rodgers said he exchanged some texts with Reddick around the time of the trade. It sounds like there may be more coming.
Will McDonald, Micheal Clemons and Takk McKinley have been used on the edge in the defensive line rotation with Reddick absent. The Jets need to replace the 19.5 sacks they lost when they didn’t re-sign Bryce Huff and Quinton Jefferson and traded John Franklin-Myers.
“I feel like we got a really good defensive line that’s got a lot of depth,” Saleh said. “Yes, there’s production that needs to be replaced. I’m not worried about where it’s coming from.”
Concussion for Ruckert
Tight end Jeremy Ruckert is dealing with a concussion, Saleh said. It’s unknown when Ruckert will be cleared to return.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
