The New York Jets are gearing up for their season-opening showdown on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, but they are facing a major setback. All-Pro edge rusher Haason Reddick, who was acquired via trade this offseason, is still holding out in hopes of securing a new contract.
Reddick has been a no-show at all offseason activities for the Jets and even went as far as requesting a trade at one point, a request that was quickly shut down by the franchise. It seems like a stalemate has been reached between Reddick and the team, with little hope of a resolution in sight anytime soon.
When asked about the ongoing situation with Reddick, head coach Robert Saleh couldn’t help but joke about the possibility of his star player returning. “It’s like finding change in the couch, I guess, right?” Saleh quipped to reporters. “But, no, he’s a special football player. And when he gets here, when he eventually gets here, he’s only going to help us.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Reddick, the Jets have been moving forward with their preparations as if he won’t be available anytime soon. It’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that gave up a conditional third-round pick to bring him in, especially as they are in desperate need of a boost to start winning games immediately. Jets fans have unfortunately become accustomed to setbacks like this.
Regardless of Reddick’s status, the Jets will be taking the field for their 2024 regular season opener on Monday, Sept. 9. The team will have to make do without their star edge rusher and hope that they can still come out on top against the 49ers. The pressure is on for the Jets to perform, with or without Reddick in the lineup.
