Haason Reddick’s trade request not a distraction for Jets

Distraction? What distraction?

“It’s not. I promise you it’s not,” Saleh told reporters. “It’s a great opportunity for the guys who are here. We love our D-line. We love depth, especially at the D-end position. Guys like Will McDonald, even Jermaine Johnson, Takk McKinley‘s getting a lot of run. So is (Eric) Watts and (Braiden) McGregor and (Micheal) Clemons and Jalyn (Holmes). So we’ve got a lot of really good depth at the defensive end position, and they’re taking advantage of the extra opportunities that they’re getting because of it.”

Aaron Rodgers also was asked about Reddick’s status on Tuesday.

“Obviously we’d love for him to be here, but we don’t judge him for trying to do what’s best for him,” Rodgers said. “I think what’s best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride. But he’s got to make the best decision for him and his family.”

New York prides itself on rotational depth up front, which appeared to take a hit when Bryce Huff left in free agency. The Jets remedied the loss by acquiring Reddick, who was unhappy with his contract situation in Philadelphia, prompting the Eagles to trade him elsewhere.

The move made plenty of sense on paper. But in what is either an example of poor communication or a general disinterest in acquiescing to a veteran player’s financial demands, the Jets and Reddick, set to make $14.25 million on the final year of his deal, have never gotten on the same page contractually, leading to the edge rusher’s prolonged holdout.

The flat replies speak for themselves. New York isn’t budging. In fact, they’re barely paying it any mind, at least publicly, digging deeper into their position and perhaps expediting a possible second trade involving Reddick in 2024.