Holdout in the NFL: The Haason Reddick Saga with the New York Jets
Holdouts stretching into the NFL regular season are rare. However, Haason Reddick’s situation with the New York Jets stands as a significant exception in recent memory. The edge rusher, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets at the beginning of April for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, has been notably absent, demanding his contract be readdressed.
Reddick's Performance and Contract Dispute
Reddick's grievances stem from the perception that he has significantly outperformed his three-year, $45 million contract with the Eagles. In his first year with the Eagles, Reddick notched a career-high 16 sacks and has recorded double-digit sacks for four consecutive seasons, marking him as one of the top performers in his position.
The friction between Reddick and the Jets first became apparent when he was fined $101,716 for his absence from the mandatory June minicamp. Opting to stay away from the team until his contract issues were addressed, Reddick has accumulated hefty fines — $50,000 for each of the 41 days missed during training camp, summing up to $2.05 million. Additionally, Reddick incurred penalties equivalent to one week’s base salary for each preseason game missed, totaling $2.375 million from three games.
Financial Implications and Team's Stance
The Jets have held firm on their stance that no discussions will take place until Reddick ends his holdout. Consequently, each week Reddick spends away from the team costs him $791,667 in base salary. Having already missed the game against the New England Patriots, Reddick’s total lost salary now stands at $2.375 million.
Further complicating matters, the Jets hold the option to reclaim part of Reddick’s signing bonus, specifically a $2.743 million prorated amount for his 2024 contract year. If the holdout persists, Reddick’s contract may even be tolled for a full year, bringing to mind the Seattle Seahawks’ failed attempt in 1999 to extend Joey Galloway’s contract by a year due to his own holdout.
Trade Request Rebuffed
Amidst the standoff, Reddick made a trade request during training camp, which the Jets dismissed. With the trade deadline set for November 5, aligned with Week 9, the clock is ticking for both parties to find a resolution. The NFLPA has highlighted that the deadline for signing unsigned franchise and transition players, draft picks, and restricted free agents is November 12, adding another layer of urgency.
Historical Context of NFL Holdouts
Reddick's situation is not without precedent, though. In 2015, Kam Chancellor held out for 54 days over contract disputes, resulting in nearly $3.1 million being moved forward in his contract. Chancellor returned following Seattle’s second loss of the season without a new contract. Similarly, Duane Brown's 2017 holdout ended without a new deal, and he was subsequently traded to the Seahawks shortly after his return.
Melvin Gordon’s 2019 holdout that ended after the fourth week and Le’Veon Bell’s decision to boycott the entire 2018 season rather than play under a franchise tag are also notable examples. Bell became the first franchise player to sit out an entire season since Dan Williams in 1998. More recently, Chris Jones experienced a 51-day holdout in 2023, resulting in approximately $3.25 million in fines and lost wages. Jones' contract saw minor adjustments upon his return but no long-term deal was reached.
Managing Expectations and Moving Forward
With the Jets and Reddick entrenched in their positions, the path forward remains uncertain. As the financial penalties mount and the games tick by, both sides face mounting pressure to come to a resolution, whether through renegotiation or trade.
Reddick’s exceptional performance metrics make him a valuable asset, and how the Jets choose to engage with his demands could set a significant precedent not only for the team but also for the broader landscape of player contracts and holdouts in the NFL.