Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, DE Haason Reddick not at minicamp

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher Haason Reddick are skipping the staff’s obligatory two-day minicamp, the staff introduced Tuesday. Each absences are unexcused, which means each gamers are topic to fines.

Reddick’s no-show, not totally sudden, escalates a contract dispute between the Jets and their largest offseason addition. Rodgers took the required bodily and took part within the staff’s media day, each on Monday, earlier than leaving city.

“Aaron and I spoke earlier than OTAs began,” coach Robert Saleh stated. “He is excellent in communication. He is been right here your entire time. It is [unexcused], however he had an occasion that was essential to him, which he communicated.”

Rodgers has been an everyday at voluntary exercises for the previous two offseasons, preaching the significance of constructing staff chemistry and eliminating distractions — which makes his absence much more conspicuous. The four-time MVP, 9 months faraway from Achilles surgical procedure, had been a full participant in follow throughout three weeks of OTA practices.

Saleh tried to downplay Rodgers’ no-show, saying it wasn’t a shock as a result of the 40-year-old quarterback had given advance warning. Saleh insisted he wasn’t disillusioned.

“No,” he stated. “Selfishly, I would like our guys right here on a regular basis, however while you get to those obligatory issues, you make the very best resolution for your self. Clearly, selfishly, need all of them right here on a regular basis, however he decided and that is the place he went.”

Veteran backup Tyrod Taylor will run the first-team offense in minicamp.

As a result of the minicamp is obligatory, Rodgers and Reddick are topic to a $16,953 high quality for lacking the primary day, $33,908 for the second day. Reddick already has forfeited a $250,000 exercise bonus.

Operating again Breece Corridor stated Rodgers’ absence is not an enormous deal.

“He is nonetheless making an attempt to come back again, nonetheless get again to feeling proper from his harm and all the things,” Corridor stated. “I do know he is working his tail off. Whether or not he is right here or not, I do know he is all in.”

Reddick, 29, acquired in a March 29 commerce with the Philadelphia Eagles, is because of make a non-guaranteed $14.25 million in base pay within the last 12 months of the contract he signed with the Eagles in 2022. His no-show caps an offseason during which he skipped all voluntary exercises.

Normal supervisor Joe Douglas was ecstatic when he traded a 2026 conditional third-round decide for Reddick, calling him “an electrical presence off the sting.” It was broadly recognized that Reddick wished a brand new contract, however the Jets made the commerce anyway, comfy they’d be capable of make the connection work.

The Jets have not closed the door on the potential of a long-term extension, however the sense is that they’d slightly wait. The group does not appear alarmed by the scenario and stays assured Reddick could have a productive season.

The group needs to be conscious of long-term planning, as a handful of veterans are up for potential contract extensions, most notably nickelback Michael Carter II and cornerback D.J. Reed. In 2025, stars reminiscent of broad receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner will probably be eligible for brand new offers.

Saleh stated he reached out to Reddick over the weekend, their first communication because the commerce. The coach declined to touch upon their dialog and would not verify that Reddick is upset together with his contract, though a supply confirmed that it is a contract situation.

Requested why they traded for a participant seemingly disgruntled together with his contract, Saleh deferred to Douglas. Usually, Douglas does not communicate to the media in the course of the offseason program.

“He is in a extremely good place mentally, working his tail off like we already knew, however he is selecting to sit down out this one unexcused,” Saleh stated.

It creates a poor optic for the Jets, who’re so dedicated to Reddick as an every-down participant that they traded longtime beginning finish John Franklin-Myers to the Denver Broncos in the course of the draft. Douglas defined that transfer by saying they could not afford to maintain Franklin-Myers after absorbing Reddick’s contract.

Earlier than that, the Jets misplaced sack chief Bryce Huff in free company to the Eagles, who gave the 26-year-old pass-rusher a three-year, $51 million contract, together with a $34 million assure. The Eagles most well-liked to spend money on the youthful Huff than reinvesting in Reddick, who was given permission to hunt a commerce.

Usually, Douglas does not prolong contracts for gamers 29 and older or these acquired in trades. The one and solely veteran in that age class to get an extension was tight finish Ryan Griffin, who was 29 when he acquired a three-year, $9.6 million contract in November 2019.

A 12 months in the past, the Jets renegotiated Rodgers’ contract after buying him in a commerce, however his reworked deal truly represented a pay lower to assist create cap flexibility.

The Jets had been drawn to Reddick due to his pass-rushing means. He is a two-time Professional Bowl participant who has recorded 50.5 sacks over the previous 4 seasons, fourth-most within the NFL over that span.

With out Reddick, the Jets’ high defensive ends are starter Jermaine Johnson, Micheal Clemons and Will McDonald IV, a 2023 first-round decide who’s being counted on to assist substitute Huff as a situational rusher.