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 workforce 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 an excellent week of labor with us,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stated Friday, confirming Reddick’s standing. “He is simply such an skilled man. He is been in so many techniques, so to select 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 predetermined snap restrict, and the workforce will consider his workload as the sport progresses, Ulbrich stated.
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 up to the mark,” Ulbrich stated. “However on the identical time, I feel it is thrilling, too. I’ve by no means been by way of this. I do not assume anyone’s been by way of this.”
Reddick is on a two-week roster exemption, which implies he have to be activated earlier than 4 p.m. Saturday.
He has declined interview requests this week, saying by way of the general public relations employees that he’ll converse to reporters after the sport.
“Hate me now, love me later,” Reddick posted Thursday night time on Instagram. “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 shall be used as a situational rusher. He might exchange Micheal Clemons (2.5 sacks) on third down, pairing with workforce 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 has needed to blitz greater than standard — a 31% price, in keeping with ESPN Analysis. A 12 months in the past, it was solely 17% (thirty first).
“As everyone knows, we’re at our greatest after we rush 4, and he’ll permit us to try this,” Ulbrich stated.
The Jets gave Reddick a “sluggish ramp up” in observe, in keeping with defensive position coach Aaron Whitecotton. He stated it will’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 wonderful, carried out properly and seemed like he is been in form,” Whitecotton stated. “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 collected greater than $6 million in fines.
Reddick staged the holdout as a result of he wished 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 keeping with his agent. Failing that, he shall be a free agent.
The Jets traded a 2026 conditional third-round decide for Reddick, pondering he’d be a key defensive participant. 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 stated. “Nobody is taking a look at 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.
