Reddick: People aren't 'ready for what's about to happen' with Jets
Haason Reddick is optimistic he'll help an already solid New York Jets defense reach the next level after recently joining the team in a surprising trade from the Philadelphia Eagles.
"It's going to be fun," the veteran pass-rusher said Monday during his introductory press conference, according to NFL.com's Eric Edholm. "I don't think people are ready for what's going to happen."
The Eagles sent Reddick to the Jets last week in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round pick that can become a second-rounder if he plays at least 67.5% of New York's snaps and records 10 or more sacks in 2024.
Reddick has hit those milestones in each of the last four seasons, and the 29-year-old thinks he can keep producing at a high level on the Jets, who will be the fourth team of his career.
"I have a lot left in the tank. If I didn't, I wouldn't be here," he said. "I feel like when I don't have any more left to give, I'll retire. Until that point, I'm going to continue to try to play my best ball."
The two-time Pro Bowler is looking for a new deal after not signing an extension with the Eagles, who gave former Jets pass-rusher Bryce Huff a three-year, $51.1-million pact this offseason. Reddick could hit free agency in 2025 but said he won't let his contract situation affect him on the field.
"Whatever happens, I'm gonna be happy," Reddick said about potentially signing a new contract with the Jets, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "I'm gonna give my all no matter what, that's just who I am as a person."
A first-round pick in 2017, Reddick had a relatively disappointing start to his NFL career as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, who mostly used him as an off-ball linebacker from 2017-19. Arizona finally decided to use him primarily as an edge rusher in 2020, and the Temple product stood out before hitting free agency and signing a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers during the 2021 offseason. He then had another double-digit-sack campaign en route to earning a three-year, $45-million contract with the Eagles in 2022.
Led by cornerback Sauce Gardner and lineman Quinnen Williams, the Jets boast one of the NFL's best defenses and ranked in the top five for total yards allowed in the last two seasons. Three New York defenders (Gardner, Williams, and Jermaine Johnson) earned Pro Bowl berths in 2023. Gardner, as well as linebacker Quincy Williams, also claimed first-team All-Pro nods.
The Jets, however, have struggled offensively. They traded for Aaron Rodgers last year, but the four-time NFL MVP suffered an Achilles injury four snaps into his New York debut. The team ultimately finished the campaign 7-10 and missed the playoffs for a 13th consecutive season.
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