Trade talks before the Titans showdown? Strap in—Jets fans, stuff just got spicy! ESPN’s senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler just dropped a bombshell about Haason Reddick that’s shaking up the Big Apple. 

Per league sources, New York’s staring down a standoff with Reddick over his contract, and it’s looking like a trade might be the only escape route. Fowler’s insider scoop suggests the team “might not have a choice” but to move Reddick if this deadlock drags on. “From our Week 2 buzz file: Multiple league execs believe the #Jets will eventually need to explore flipping Haason Reddick via trade as the contract impasse has no end in sight,” Fowler tweeted, hinting that Reddick’s not budging until he gets what he wants.

Week 1 was a rough ride for the Jets. The loss to the Niners revealed some glaring issues, especially on the run-defense front. Jordan Mason and the San Fran game plan tore through them like a hot knife through butter. The absence of Reddick was felt hard—he may not be a top-notch run stopper, but his presence is a legitimate game changer. Last year, Reddick posted a solid 64.0 run defense grade. 

Jets’ HC Robert Saleh’s keeping his fingers crossed for Reddick’s return. Saleh’s optimism was evident when he asserted, “As soon as he walks through those doors, we’ll give him a big hug and give him a playbook and we can get rolling.” While the Titans might not be world-beaters, getting the LB back would be a massive win for the Jets. Reddick’s holdout ain’t just about missing games; it’s costing him a small fortune. With nearly $800k already down the drain and fines stacking up like a tower of bad luck, the stakes are sky-high. He’s heading into the final year of his contract, which boasts a juicy $14.25M base salary. The NYJ are in a tough spot—negotiate or trade.

As New York gears up for their Week 2 clash with the Titans, this contract drama’s far from over. NFL executives are splitting up about the impact of Reddick’s holdout, and it’s clear this saga could shape the Jets’ season in unexpected ways. 

NFL execs weigh in on Haason Reddick’s holdout 

Reddick’s holdout saga’s heating up pretty quick. One NFC exec asserted bluntly, “Not sure they have a choice. They wouldn’t get similar value back [a third-rounder], but it would be hard [for the Jets] to pay Haason at this point, and he clearly doesn’t want to be there. Both sides badly mismanaged the situation.”

The Jets traded a conditional third-round pick in 2026 to snag Reddick from the Eagles in April, but since then, it’s been radio silence. The 29-year-old hasn’t practiced or played as of yet. He even requested a trade in Aug, but the Jets shut that down.

GM Joe Douglas made it clear: “We have informed Haason that we will not trade him… Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season,” he stated. ESPN’s Rich Cimini alluded, “Since the trade discussions back in March we have been clear, direct, and consistent with our position. Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season.”

With the trade deadline looming, keep an eye on this space—Reddick’s future in New York might just be the wildest ride of the season.