Haason Reddick makes decision on Jets’ Week 1 game

Aug 3, 2023; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick during practice at Novacare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets pass-rusher Haason Reddick held out for a new contract all offseason, and he has decided to continue taking a stand when the regular season begins.

Reddick will not play in the Jets’ season-opening game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. By refusing to play, Reddick will forfeit his roughly $800,000 game check. He has already been fined more than $5 million for skipping mandatory workouts this offseason.

Jets hold-out edge rusher Haason Reddick will forfeit a game of check of nearly $800,000 for missing tonight’s regular-season opener vs. the 49ers, and an additional nearly $800,000 for each game he subsequently misses. This is on top of more than $5 million in NFL-mandated fines… pic.twitter.com/UXAWW7nfeX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2024

Reddick was set to make $14 million this season in the final year of his contract, but that number will continue to go down the longer he holds out. The Jets traded a conditional third-round draft pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for Reddick in March, and there were reports that the 29-year-old assured the team he was comfortable with his contract situation.

For whatever reason, Reddick has since decided that he is not willing to play without a new deal. The Jets have taken a hard stance in negotiations while saying they are looking forward to Reddick’s return.

Reddick was the No. 13 overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017. He was signed by the Eagles prior to the 2022 season and had success with Philly. Reddick recorded 27 sacks in 34 games over the last two seasons. He made the Pro Bowl both years and was expected to have a significant impact with the Jets, but that cannot happen until he agrees to take the field.