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How the Jets Can Resolve the Reddick Situation

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Haason Reddick, New York Jets outside linebacker

One of the biggest moves of the off-season took place on April 1. The New York Jets made a massive upgrade to their defense by trading for linebacker Haason Reddick. The former Eagles linebacker was acquired for a conditional 2026 third-round pick. On paper, it looked like a steal for New York. This was before the reality of the Reddick situation set in. Haason Reddick is in the final year of his contract. Rightfully, the former All-Pro linebacker wants a raise after the market shifted with a series of extensions. This forced the veteran to skip the first days of training camp. While not ideal, make no mistake that Haason Reddick will miss games. It’s a game of chicken from both sides. Eventually, the Jets will give in to his demands for the betterment of the team. Here’s how the Jets can resolve the Reddick situation.

How the Jets Can Resolve the Reddick Situation

Since the beginning of the decade, few men have turned their careers around like Haason Reddick. The 13th overall pick in 2017 got off to a slow start to his career until the 2020 season. Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph helped him unlock his potential. Upon ending the season, Reddick finished with 15 tackles-for-loss and 12.5 sacks. After playing on a one-year deal for the Carolina Panthers, the New Jersey native joined his childhood team by signing a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. A move that would be mutually beneficial to both sides. His first season in 2022 saw him lead the team with 16 sacks and the team’s third Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

However, after finishing with at least 11 sacks per year for the fourth consecutive season, Reddick wants to cash in. After he and Philadelphia failed to reach a new contract, general manager Howie Roseman traded Reddick to New York. Jets general manager Joe Douglas worked in Roseman’s front office during the franchise’s Super Bowl win in 2017. Like Philadelphia, the Jets hope Reddick will be that last piece of the puzzle. But, he will still need a new contract.

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Short-term extension?

Despite the eerie situation at face value, this is common around the league. Many stars have held out of training camp before over contract negotiations. One benefit for the New York Jets is the CBA is structured in their favor. According to the NFL CBA, non-rookie-contracted players who miss training camp are subjected to a $50,000 per day fine. That money comes right out of Reddick’s pocket. At $14 million, Reddick is the 19th highest-paid edge rusher in the league. New York will need to add $10 million to his contract to make him within the top six highest-paid at the position.

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New York needs cap space but can create more

The problem is, that New York has only $5 million in available cap space. One route to explore to free up money would be a trade. Ideally, trading Allen Lazard would be a massive help. The wide receiver has had a disastrous first season on the Jets. Injuries, dropped passes, and being surpassed on the depth chart have made his 4-year/$44 million dollar contract look like an albatross. However, He’s shown flashes of greatness in Green Bay. The arrival of Mike Williams and Malachi Corley has made Lazard expendable on offense. This year, Trading Lazard could open as much as $10 million in cap space.

One possible trade partner could be the Las Vegas Raiders. New York would not acquire Davante Adams in this scenario. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy needs a productive third wide receiver behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers. This need became more evident after the sudden retirement of free agent acquisition Michael Gallup on Tuesday. New York would have to attach a draft pick to Lazard, but the price would be worth it to free up the money. Should Lazard falter in Las Vegas, the Raiders can deem him a post-June 1st cut and absorb $2 million in dead cap. Raiders fans shouldn’t expect too many targets from Lazard however. With the duo of Max Meyer and rookie Brock Bowers, they are widely expected to use a lot of two tight-end schemes on offense.

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Short-term panic but long-term relief

The Haason Reddick holdout is not ideal for the New York Jets. However, it’s still early into training camp season. Eventually, both sides will come to an agreement with Reddick back on the field. It’s frustrating, but it’s a matter of patience more than anything. Once we witness Reddick on the same defensive line next to Quinnen Williams, Jermaine Johnson, Javon Knlaw, etc; this holdout will feel like a distant memory.

Main Photo: [Jay Biggerstaff] – USA Today Sports

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