The New York Jets have high expectations for their team this year. With Aaron Rodgers healthy and returning from a torn Achilles that limited him to just four offensive snaps in 2023, New York fully believes that they can make the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2010 and, perhaps, even compete for a Super Bowl.
Due to these high expectations and the fact that Rodgers’ age does not give them a wide-open competitive window, New York’s front office spent the offseason gathering players that are better compliments to the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
While general manager Joe Douglas improved the offense around Rodgers (at least on paper), he also attempted to improve the Jets’ already stout defense. The biggest move he made in this regard was trading a conditional third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft for two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Haason Reddick.
Haason Reddick Has Demanded a Trade from the New York Jets
Despite never even suiting up for the Jets, Reddick has demanded a trade away from the organization. Prior to being dealt by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year, Reddick had made it known that he wanted a new contract. He also rejected the contract extension the Jets presented him with before the trade.
This is where it gets messy.
New York decided to go through with the trade anyway because they believed that Reddick would either play out his current deal with them or be willing to negotiate with them as the offseason progressed.
This was all based on the assumption that he would show up to team activities and training camp.
He did not.
The Jets have a policy that they will not negotiate contracts with players that are holding out and absent from training camp. Reddick does not want to report without a deal.
Both sides feel like they have been lied to, so neither trusts the other.
New York Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Breaks His Silence on the Haason Reddick Trade Demand
Rodgers himself is no stranger to having bad blood with a franchise. His divorce from the Green Bay Packers was filled with demands of firing Brian Gutekunst, ignored phone calls, and plenty of double talk.
So while the Reddick situation is frustrating for fans, the four-time NFL MVP understands where his would-be teammate is coming from. He told ESPN, “I’ve been around 20 years; I’ve seen a lot of stuff. I think as players we always first try to side with the player because we know what it’s like to be a player.”
That being said, Rodgers would like to see Reddick in a Jets uniform this year: “I don’t know him well. I had a couple messages with him, I believe, when he got traded. Obviously, we’d love him to be here, but we don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for him. I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride. But he’s got to make the best decision for him and his family.”
As mentioned, New York has Super Bowl aspirations this year with Rodgers healthy and under center. Reddick would only help them have a better chance of reaching their goals while the Super Bowl window is still open.
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