JETS HOLDOUT WILLING TO 'DIE ON THIS SWORD' AMID CONTRACT DISPUTE
The Jets will open their season in Santa Clara against the 49ers on Monday night, but don’t expect Haason Reddick to be on the field. The pass-rusher’s holdout continues, and while Dianna Russini notes that there has been recent progress in negotiations, The Athletic reporter cautions that Reddick is also willing to “die on this sword.”
While we heard earlier this week that “nothing has changed” in the ongoing saga, Russini writes that there has been recent communication between the Jets and Reddick’s camp. While a resolution isn’t imminent, this is at least a promising step forward for the two sides.
In his pursuit of a new deal, Reddick has been a no-show at team facilities since his introductory news conference in April. Meanwhile, the Jets have refused to discuss a new contract without the veteran in the building. These two stubborn approaches have led to a natural stalemate, but it sounds like both sides are starting to at least mend the relationship.
Russini notes that it’s a “long shot” for Reddick to take the field in Week 1, which isn’t particularly surprising considering the short time the Jets would have to acclimate the player into their defense. However, it’s still uncertain “if he’ll show up after that either.” The pass-rusher had a chance to swing by Florham Park this past week while attending a charity event in Jersey City. In lockstep with his offseason approach, Reddick decided to skip the impromptu visit, per Russini.
The offseason trade acquisition has already cost himself more than $2M in non-waivable fines thanks to his holdout, and he’ll start losing $838K game checks assuming he doesn’t take the field anytime soon. The Jets have reportedly been receptive to sweetening Reddick’s Eagles-constructed deal rather than adding term to the contract. If neither side is willing to concede, the recent communications won’t do much to remedy this situation.
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