The New York Jets are the NFL’s favorite reality TV show! With all the drama surrounding them since the start of the off-season, it’s like watching a fumble in slow motion. How much of a gang is Gang Green, really? First, it was star QB Aaron Rodgers squabbling with HC Robert Saleh. Now, LB Haason Reddick is bringing the same ‘unexcused’ energy. Is there a pattern here? Whatever it is, Saleh seems unbothered, staying focused on his game plan.

On Tuesday, July 24th, The Athletic’s senior writer covering the Jets, Zack Rosenblatt, dropped the news straight from training camp: Reddick was not present at the practice. Almost an hour later, Rosenblatt had Coach Saleh’s take. “It is what it is. We have 89 other guys we have to prepare,” the Jets’ HC said, as reported by Zack. This comes after the reports that Reddick might face a $50,000 fine—one that’s growing like unchecked penalty yardage if he stays on this track. Looks like the stakes are rising faster than his salary demands!

Meanwhile, just when you think the plot couldn’t thicken anymore, Coach Saleh added a cherry on top. He’s clueless about when the 29-year-old might return. Or if he’ll even step onto the gridiron for them. Yes! Sadly, it has come to that. Talk about the Jets’ dramatic playbook.

Haason Reddick’s discontent has taken center stage, as his offseason holdout has now stretched into practice camp. So, what’s the play? It all began when the Eagles shipped him off to the Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, opting not to extend his contract. Now, Reddick is in the final year of his current deal, with a base salary of $14.25 million. Given the LB’s desire for a new deal, there was hope that the Jets would step up and make it happen.

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the figures, while a raise, were not what Reddick was looking for. Hence, he declined the offer. But what are his demands? He is aiming for $25-28 million per season, but the Jets aren’t ready to fumble their cap space yet. Like an unexpected fumble, Tuesday’s absence means the Gang Green will have to add money to this year’s pact or agree to an extension. Looks like the Eagles decided to punt, leaving the Jets to handle the fourth-quarter drama.

However, Saleh is not in the mood for any more drama. Can you blame him? This offseason has already been a rollercoaster, with seasoned vet A-Rod reportedly confronting him over the term “unexcused absence” for missing a mandatory minicamp due to his Egypt excursion. Just when you think it can’t get crazier, Saleh’s patience was put to the test again. One that he might have been well prepared to pass.

But despite all that the question is: How important is the 29-year-old edge rusher for the Jets, despite being at holdout? This ex-NFL player turned analyst shares his thoughts.

Haason Reddick to the Jets is a ‘huge deal’, says ex-NFLer

On July 23, having a debate on SPEAK, Emmanuel Acho, Joy Taylor, LeSean McCoy, and Dave Helman tackled Haason Reddick’s holdout from the Jets training camp. The discussion got heated, with ex-NFL linebacker Acho highlighting fellow LB’s critical role, likening him to a key piece of the Gang Green’s defensive puzzle.

Acho didn’t mince words, saying, “What Aaron Rodgers is to the Jets offense, the missing piece. Haason Reddick is to the Jets defense, the missing piece. You got a guy who can get you 10 to 15 plus sacks in a season. That to me, is a huge deal.” He underscored Reddick’s impressive track record of four consecutive seasons with 10+ sacks across three different teams. But these expectations will come into play only after he shows up!

Reddick has been MIA since landing in New Jersey from Philly. Especially when the 29-year-old arrived with a spotlight on him, coming off a stellar 2023 season with 11 sacks in 17 games for the Birds. His impressive 50.5 sacks over the last four seasons put him in the top four of the NFL sack leaders, earning him major props from Saleh. “He’s definitely found a new lease on life in that front. He’s dynamic and versatile. They can do a lot of different things with him, but he’s a three-way rusher. He can win inside, win outside, and can run right through you,” the Jets’ HC said at the time of the trade.

From initial appreciation to Saleh now saying, “It is what it is,” it’s not exactly a good look for Reddick. As the saying goes, “First impression is the last impression,” in this case, Gang Green will be hoping that the first impression comes out to be true. How long do you think this holdout from Philly’s Freddy Kreuger will last?