Amidst a hectic and chaotic day in Florham Park, NY Jets owner Woody Johnson did his best to entice star pass rusher Haason Reddick to end his holdout. Sunday's stunning firing of head coach Robert Saleh likely didn't help matters, however.
Johnson spoke to reporters shortly following Saleh's departure on Tuesday, explaining his rationale behind the decision while defending new interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich.
The Jets owner was then asked about the ongoing Reddick situation and if he believes the Jets will eventually get a deal done. Johnson offered a desperate plea to the All-Pro edge rusher, begging him to finally report after months away from the organization.
In fact, Johnson offered specific instructions to Reddick while insisting the team would welcome him with open arms. Johnson is still hopeful that his team can reach a resolution with Reddick at some point.
"Haason, get in your car, drive down (I-)95, and come to the New York Jets, and we can meet you and give you an escort right in the building and you'll fit right in and you're going to love it here and you're going to feel welcome and you're going to accomplish great things with us."
Woody Johnson is still optimistic the NY Jets can work out a deal with Haason Reddick
Reddick's holdout dates back to the spring when he missed voluntary OTAs and was a no-show for mandatory minicamp in June. The former All-Pro is seeking a long-term extension as he plays out — or rather misses out — on the final year of his contract.
Reddick has officially requested a trade from the Jets' organization, although the team has repeatedly insisted they have no plans to move him at any point. That's largely because they have all the leverage in the situation.
Reddick cannot afford to sit out the entire season or else his contract would toll to 2025. He realistically has until the Tuesday following Week 10 to report to avoid the Jets retaining his rights next season.
The Jets could simply wait Reddick out and hope he returns and actually contributes later in the season. That appears to be the solution Johnson is hoping for if the Jets can't reach a deal beforehand, of course.
Johnson told reporters that the Reddick situation is " something [he's] never seen before" while insisting "you have to be part psychologist" to actually understand his mindset. He's not entirely wrong.
This is an unprecedented situation, and Reddick is actively costing himself roughly $900,000 every week he misses. He's accumulated almost $10 million in total fines at the time of writing. It's difficult to find logic in the stance he's taken.
The Jets probably have more pressing issues to attend to following Saleh's shock firing on Tuesday, but Reddick's ongoing holdout continues to be the dark cloud hanging over the organization. A dark cloud that Woody Johnson is eager to get rid of.
