Haason Reddick requests trade: Jets ‘will not’ do deal for offseason star; 5 potential destinations
Four months after being traded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the New York Jets, Haason Reddick wants to be traded again. The star pass rusher has officially requested to be traded out of New Jersey, according to CBS Sports’ top NFL insider Jonathan Jones, marking another dramatic turn in a long-running contract dispute.
Reddick, 29, was originally acquired by the Jets in April in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick. The two-time Pro Bowler unsuccessfully sought a raise from the Eagles prior to the deal, and multiple reports indicated he planned to land a new contract with the Jets. The two sides failed to negotiate an extension, however, prompting Reddick to skip both mandatory minicamp and training camp.
“We have informed Haason that we will not trade him,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in a team statement Monday, “that he should be here with his teammates and that he will continue to be fined under the collective bargaining agreement if he fails to report. Since the trade discussions in March, we have been clear, direct and consistent in our position. Our focus remains on the players we have here as we prepare for the regular season.”
Reddick’s father, Raymond Matthew, told ESPN after the April trade that his son “overachieved his contract” and “just wanted market value.” Reddick, meanwhile, has 27 sacks in two playoff seasons with the Eagles and is entering the final season of a three-year, $45 million contract he originally signed with Philadelphia in 2022 free agency. He publicly wore Jets gear shortly after his move, only to lose workout bonuses and absorb opt-out fines as New York reportedly balked at re-signing him.
His latest move — asking to leave New York — puts even more pressure on Jets management, given that general manager Joe Douglas allowed one of the club’s top pass rushers, Bryce Huff, to leave free agency earlier this offseason. Huff coincidentally (or not) landed in Philadelphia, where he’s expected to serve as Reddick’s go-to backup.
Where, exactly, could Reddick end up, if the Jets try to recoup draft capital and get rid of their marquee acquisition before he even takes a snap in green? Here are some potential landing spots:
Arizona Cardinals
Reddick was arguably misused by Arizona to start his NFL career, struggling to stay in the regular lineup for three of his four seasons with the Cardinals from 2017-20. A new regime is in place, however, and it’s led by Jonathan Gannon, the man who oversaw Reddick’s 16-sack outbreak with the Eagles in 2022. The Cardinals also have money to spend, with $33 million in current salary cap space.
Atlanta Falcons
There may be no other organization that has been more eager to see his passing skills proven over the past five years. And new coach Raheem Morris comes from the defensive end, where he benefited from the late returns of renting outside linebackers like Von Miller while with the Los Angeles Rams. Money may be tight in 2024, but a new contract for Reddick could push his salary gains to future years.
The Chicago Bears
Few teams are more appealing than the Bears, thanks to the addition of Caleb Williams to a roster that could be playoff-ready. What about Matt Eberflus’ defense, which was linked to Danielle Hunter before the former Minnesota Vikings star landed in Houston? Montez Sweat already headlines their top-of-the-line group, but a big-hitting addition like Reddick could help further boost Chicago’s sudden playoff hopes.
The Los Angeles Rams
This is an NFC contender that has sniffed out some spectacular pass-rush additions in recent years (see: Brian Burns), and while their first-round investment in Jared Verse this spring gives the group some long-term promise, adding Reddick would do even more for their 2025 playoff hopes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are known for their fiery defense under Todd Bowles, but they could use more power on the edge with key veterans like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Yaya Diaby out with injuries. They also have no shortage of cap space, with about $22 million heading into the 2024 season, according to Over the Cap, and have playoff aspirations after sniffing the NFC title game a year ago.
