Haason Reddick’s long holdout from the New York Jets finally ended on October 20, bringing one of the NFL’s most complicated contract disputes to a close. After a 90-day absence, Reddick returned to the team with a new agreement in hand that added $5.34 million in performance bonuses.
While the situation seemed dire at times, particularly after he missed seven games, the resolution shows how both sides managed to compromise.
Let’s dive into how this holdout unfolded and the key elements that concluded it.
Haason Reddick’s Push For A New Deal
In April, the Jets acquired Reddick from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional 2026 draft pick. Reddick’s arrival came with expectations that he would be a key player in New York’s defense. However, friction was already brewing, as Reddick had long been unhappy with his contract. The three-year, $45 million deal (up to $46.5 million with incentives) he signed with the Eagles in 2022 did not sit well with him, especially after his standout 2023 season. When the Jets expected him at the mandatory June minicamp, Reddick didn’t show up, resulting in fines of $101,716.
When training camp rolled around, Reddick remained absent, and tensions escalated. The Jets made it clear they would not discuss any contract modifications until Reddick returned, but he stood firm, even submitting a trade request. The Jets quickly dismissed this, but the standoff was far from over.
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The Role Of CAA Sports And Drew Rosenhaus
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A major twist in the saga occurred when Reddick’s representation, CAA Sports, dropped him as a client. They had negotiated a revised one-year deal, but Reddick reportedly refused to accept it. This forced him to find new representation, and he quickly hired Drew Rosenhaus. In a bid to move the process along, the Jets granted Rosenhaus a 48-hour window to seek a trade. No deal materialized, but Jets owner Woody Johnson took a more hands-on approach, leading to renewed negotiations.
Following Chris Jones’ Blueprint
Much of the framework for Reddick’s new deal followed a precedent set by the Kansas City Chiefs and Chris Jones in 2023. The Jets and Reddick agreed on a modified contract, inserting performance bonuses as an option bonus escalator. This would allow Reddick to earn $5.34 million in bonuses over the season, in addition to his base salary. Reddick renegotiated his base salary for 2024 from $14.25 million to a performance-based amount. Reddick can now earn $14.05 million through bonuses and escalators, slightly below his original salary but enough to entice him back onto the field.
What Does The Revised Deal Look Like?
The 30-year-old LB’s new deal offers several incentives based on his performance in the remaining 11 weeks of the season. The team must pay a $100 option bonus between February 10-16, 2025, to void Reddick’s 2028 contract year, with additional escalations tied to his achievements. If Reddick is selected for the Pro Bowl, his bonus increases by $500,000. Similarly, his sack total will dictate further bonuses—$500,000 each for his 8th, 9th, and 10th sacks, with the full $2.05 million coming into play if he reaches 12 sacks.
Moreover, if the Jets make it to the Super Bowl, and Reddick is active for the game, he could earn an additional $2 million. While the bonuses look promising, Reddick’s missed time makes achieving some of these marks unlikely.
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The Cost Of The Holdout
Haason Reddick’s 90-day holdout wasn’t without its consequences. Each week of missed regular-season games cost him $791,667, resulting in $5.54 million in lost salary. He was also fined $50,000 per day for missing 41 days of training camp, totaling $2.05 million. Additionally, the Jets imposed a $2.375 million fine for the three missed preseason games, though the NFLPA is contesting this fine. The maximum loss for Reddick is estimated at $12.15 million. If he wins the grievance over the preseason fines and the Jets waive specific penalties, he could recover $4.3 million.
Will This Deal Satisfy Haason Reddick Long-Term?
Despite the resolution, this is far from the end of contract discussions between Reddick and the Jets. While the added performance bonuses got Reddick back on the field, he and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, have indicated that talks for a long-term deal will continue. Reddick’s priority is to perform well and help the Jets salvage their season. With a 2-5 start, the playoffs seem like a long shot, but if Reddick plays at a high level, it could boost his chances of getting the long-term contract he’s been pushing for.
Was The Holdout Worth It?
Ultimately, Haason Reddick’s decision to hold out could be viewed as a misstep. Had he reported to training camp and followed the Jets’ conditions for renegotiation, he could have played the season on his $14.25 million salary. Instead, he endured significant fines and missed seven games. His revised contract offers some performance incentives, but with the Jets unlikely to make a deep playoff run, Reddick’s financial outlook is significantly lower than it could have been.
Reddick’s holdout may serve as a cautionary tale for other NFL players. The financial penalties imposed under the 2020 CBA make long holdouts an expensive gamble, and in Reddick’s case, it didn’t pay off as expected.
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