New Leverage? NFL Insider Explains Haason Reddick, Jets' Holdout
Contract holdouts happen with every team, and are always a difficult situation to traverse.
On one hand, previous agreements become a driving force for teams to use on particular players. On the other, players are only in their prime for so long and should always look to get as much money as possible.
New Leverage? NFL Insider Explains Haason Reddick, Jets' Holdout
That is where the New York Jets and Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick are currently in their own battle.
Reddick sat out of offseason workouts after being traded away by the Philadelphia Eagles in April. This comes after ESPN reporter Rich Cimini claimed that the Jets and Reddick had an understanding that the 29-year-old edge defender would play out the final year of his contract and then hit free agency the following year.
Things changed, though, after the Jets traded away John Franklin-Myers on the final day of the 2024 NFL Draft.
With more leverage attached to his name, Reddick decided to hold out for bigger guarantees this year from the Jets knowing they did not have the same kind of depth that they used to have.
Now, Jets fans may not be pleased with Reddick's tactics in looking for a new contract, but it's important to note that Cimini expects the two sides to agree on a "bridge deal" that allows the pass rusher to add more guarantees to his contract this season, while still hitting free agency next year. This is standard for similar situations.
Despite that understanding, some fans still won't be happy that Reddick is going back on his word. The reality of the situation is that he has no choice.
Over the last two seasons, Reddick has been trying to become one of the highest-paid defensive players in the game. He carries the 19th largest per year average this season among edge rushers - a serious underpay for a player that is fourth in the league in sacks the last four seasons.
Reddick should do everything he can to add leverage for a new deal. Player empowerment is real - especially for ones who are closing in on the dreaded 30th birthday.
With fewer chances to get the kind of long-term cash he wants, it's not wrong for the Temple product to do everything he can to get that money now. It also doesn't mean the Jets are wrong to go back to the negotiating table either.
The reality is that no one is in the wrong at this moment between the two sides. This is just typical negotiating tactics that will eventually be solved before training camp.