The New York Jets held out as long as they could before pronouncing holdout edge rusher Haason Reddick out for the season opener.
Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters Saturday that it is “fair” to say Reddick won’t play Monday night against the 49ers in San Francisco as the star defender’s contract dispute continues.
Reddick is due to make $14.25 million in the final season of his three-year, $45 million contract and is looking for a long-term deal.
General manager Joe Douglas said late last month that he hasn’t spoken to Reddick since April 1, when the latter visited the Jets’ facility. Douglas noted that he also hasn’t had any recent talks with Reddick’s representation “but the phone lines are open.”
When the two sides will talk again is unclear, but Saleh said Saturday that, when the contract issues are settled, he looks forward to having Reddick in the building.
“When he gets here, we’re gonna welcome him with open arms,” Saleh said. “We’re gonna love him up and he’s gonna be a part of this football team and he’s gonna help us win a lot of football games.”
Reddick, who turns 30 on Sept. 22, has recorded 50.5 sacks over the past four seasons.
A first-round pick (13th overall) by Arizona in 2017, Reddick is a two-time Pro Bowl selection with 410 tackles, 99 quarterback hits, 58 sacks and 16 forced fumbles in 114 games (81 starts) with the Cardinals (2017-20), Carolina Panthers (2021) and Eagles.
