The New York Jets are beginning their mandatory minicamp without two of their most high-profile players: quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher Haason Reddick. Both absences, which were described as unexcused by head coach Robert Saleh, are likely to have ramifications both on and off the field.
According to Saleh, Rodgers’ absence, while officially unexcused, was anticipated due to a prior commitment communicated ahead of the offseason. "Aaron and I spoke before OTAs began," Saleh said on Tuesday. "He's been excellent in his communication with us. Though it's technically unexcused, he had an important engagement which he made clear."
The impact of missing these practices might be minimal for the veteran quarterback, who has been a regular participant in the Jets’ voluntary workouts. Yet, his absence underscores the fine line between adhering to team policies and accommodating personal priorities.
In contrast, Reddick's situation is more complex. After joining the Jets from the Philadelphia Eagles in a spring trade, Reddick has been absent from team activities, skipping the voluntary workouts and now the minicamp. The Jets traded for the two-time Pro Bowler by sending a conditional 2026 third-round pick to Philadelphia, hoping to bolster their pass rush following Bryce Huff’s departure to the Eagles in free agency.
Reddick's holdout appears to be linked to his contract situation. He is entering the final year of his deal, which has a base salary of $14.25 million. Despite expectations that a new contract would be quickly negotiated following the trade, no agreement has been reached. Saleh expressed his disappointment but also acknowledged ongoing discussions. "We spoke over the weekend," Saleh noted. "He's in a good place mentally and is working hard, but he's decided to sit out this minicamp."
The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement stipulates fines for missing mandatory minicamp without an excuse. Each missed day results in fines of $16,953 for the first day, $33,908 for the second, and $50,855 if a third day is missed. Rodgers and Reddick are each subject to a total fine of $50,861 for their absences.
For the Jets, Reddick's holdout brings an added layer of complexity as they prepare for the upcoming season. The organization had anticipated Reddick's participation in the minicamp, particularly after Saleh's optimistic comments last week about the edge rusher’s expected presence.
As the minicamp proceeds without these two stars, the Jets must navigate the fine line between addressing individual player concerns and maintaining team cohesion and readiness. While Rodgers' absence may be less disruptive given his engagement in prior activities, Reddick's absence raises questions about his future role and the team's pass-rushing capabilities.
The Jets’ handling of these situations will be closely watched as they aim to integrate new talent and build on their offseason moves. How they resolve the underlying issues with Rodgers and Reddick could play a significant role in their preparation and performance for the upcoming season.
Comments