Haason Reddick lied to Jets before trade?

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 skipped mandatory minicamp last week, and it sounds like he misled the team before doing so.

Reddick decided not to attend minicamp last week because he is seeking a new contract. Jets head coach Robert Saleh had indicated that he believed Reddick would be in attendance, so the absence was a surprise. According to ESPN’s Rich Cimini, Reddick had told the Jets he would not hold out for a new deal.

In the latest episode of his “Flight Deck” podcast, Cimini said Reddick told the Jets before the team acquired him in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that he would be at mandatory practices. New York sent a conditional third-round pick to the Eagles for Reddick in late-March.

Reddick, who is set to make $14 million in base salary in the final year of his contract this season, wanted a new deal from the Eagles. That is why he was traded. The Jets took a risk by acquiring a player with an expiring contract, but Cimini says Reddick assured the team he was fine with not having an extension in place before the season.

“(Reddick) was also okay with the Jets’ stance on the contract and basically the Jets were telling him that their stance was we aren’t going to shut the door on an extension but we’d rather wait until the season is over,” Cimini said, via Paul Andrew Esden Jr. of The Score 1260. “Have a great season and you will cash in big time if not with us then somewhere else.”

So what changed? Cimini speculates that Reddick altered his stance after the Jets parted ways with defensive linemen Bryce Huff and John Franklin-Myers. That may have made Reddick feel like he now has more leverage.

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.

If Reddick does not show up to training camp, he will be fined $50,000 per day.