The New York Jets will start their 2024 NFL season without their Pro Bowl defensive Haason Reddick. This was confirmed by the Jets’ head coach, Robert Saleh, during a press conference.
The Jets acquired Reddick in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, giving up a conditional third-round pick in 2026. At the time, Reddick was expected to provide a further boost to the team’s already loaded defense and be the focal point of their pass rush.
But Reddick only appeared in his introductory presser before holding out in an attempt to get a new contract. After the Jets refused to give him one, the player asked for a trade.
According to Saleh, despite Reddick’s absence through training camp, the team would still welcome him if he decides to show up. However, it is already too late to activate him for the Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers.
“I’ll stand firm that when he gets here, we’re going to welcome him with open arms,” Saleh said. “We’re going to love him up, and he’s going to be a part of this football team, and he’s going to help us win a lot of football games. He’s got to sort through the financial stuff, which is none of my business.”
Reddick started all 17 games with the Eagles last season, making 11.0 sacks to go with 38 tackles and 23 QB hits. He had a total of 50.5 sacks in the past four seasons.
In Reddick’s absence, the Jets are expected to turn to 2022’s fourth-round pick Micheal Clemons. Playing almost exclusively as a backup in his first two seasons as a pro, Clemons has 3.0 sacks, 63 tackles, seven QB hits, and one forced fumble.
