Wealthy Cimini, ESPN Workers Author
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — One other week, one other big-name debut for the New York Jets.
Professional Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick, who reported to the crew Monday after a prolonged contract holdout that included a commerce request, will play Sunday in opposition to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
“(He) had a very good week of labor with us,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich mentioned Friday, confirming Reddick’s standing. “He is simply such an skilled man. He is been in so many programs, so to choose up ours wasn’t tremendous troublesome for him.
“He actually put within the additional time to study it and, bodily, he seemed good on the market. So, we’re enthusiastic about what he’ll contribute to our rush group.”
Reddick will not have a pre-determined snap restrict and the crew will consider his workload as the sport progresses, Ulbrich mentioned.
The Jets (2-5), losers of 4 straight, have added Reddick and large receiver Davante Adams with the hope of saving a season that started with Tremendous Bowl aspirations. Adams made three receptions for 30 yards final week in his Jets debut.
“It is a problem, for positive, getting guys built-in, getting on top of things,” Ulbrich mentioned. “However on the identical time, I believe it is thrilling, too. I’ve by no means been by means of this. I do not suppose anyone’s been by means of this.”
Reddick is on a two-week roster exemption, which suggests he should be activated earlier than 4 p.m. Saturday.
He has declined interview requests this week, saying by means of the general public relations workers that he’ll communicate to reporters after the sport.
“Hate me now, love me later,” Reddick posted on Instagram Thursday night time. “I am nonetheless gone be me.”
Reddick, 30, hasn’t performed because the Philadelphia Eagles’ playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Jan. 15. Initially, he in all probability will likely be used as a situational rusher. He might substitute Micheal Clemons (2.5 sacks) on third down, pairing with crew sack chief Will McDonald (eight) to present them two speed-rushing ends.
Reddick’s explosiveness on the sting (50.5 sacks within the earlier 4 seasons) ought to permit Ulbrich to dial again the blitzing and depend on four-man rushes. With out Reddick and Jermaine Johnson (season-ending Achilles harm in Week 2), he is needed to blitz greater than ordinary — a 31% fee, in line with ESPN Analysis. A 12 months in the past, it was solely 17% (thirty first).
“As everyone knows, we’re at our greatest once we rush 4, and he’ll permit us to do this,” Ulbrich mentioned.
The Jets gave Reddick a “gradual ramp up” in observe, in line with defensive position coach Aaron Whitecotton. He mentioned it could’ve been “completely irresponsible” to overload Reddick. The very last thing they need is a soft-tissue harm.
“The performs that he is been given, he has accomplished glorious, carried out nicely and seemed like he is been in form,” Whitecotton mentioned. “From all of my interactions with him, I’ve believed and trusted the truth that he is a man who retains himself in form.”
By skipping the primary seven video games, Reddick forfeited $5.5 million of his $14.25 million base wage. He additionally gathered greater than $6 million in fines.
Reddick staged the holdout as a result of he needed a contract extension. In the long run, he settled for an adjusted 2024 contract. He’ll obtain his remaining base wage ($8.7 million), plus $5.3 million in numerous performance-related incentives. He nonetheless needs to do an extension with the Jets, in line with his agent. Failing that, he will likely be a free agent.
The Jets traded a 2026 conditional third-round decide for Reddick, pondering he’d be an enormous defensive piece. Coaches and teammates downplayed the awkwardness of his midseason arrival.
“Nobody has hatred in the direction of him for the time he missed,” defensive sort out Solomon Thomas mentioned. “Nobody is him sideways.”
Cornerback D.J. Reed (groin) and nickel again Michael Carter II (again) will return to the lineup, however security Tony Adams (hamstring) and large receiver Allen Lazard (chest) are uncertain. Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) was dominated out.
