New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and edge rusher Hassan Reddick were notable absentees from the team’s mandatory minicamp, which began Tuesday.
Rodgers previously told the team he missed minicamp, so it wasn’t a surprise, coach Robert Saleh said at a news conference Tuesday. Saleh said Rodgers’ absence was not excused, but said Rodgers was attending an “important event for him”.
“He made a decision,” Saleh said.
The Jets coach later said he wasn’t disappointed that Rodgers was unapologetic. The quarterback has been with the team, practicing throughout the team’s organized group activities sessions, which are voluntary, leading up to minicamp. The 40-year-old quarterback is returning to game action after suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in Week 1 last season.
“Again, selfishly, I wish our guys were here forever, but when you come down to these imperatives, you make the best decision yourself.” Saleh said. “Obviously, selfishly, they always wanted them all here, but he made a decision and that’s where he went.”
Instead, Saleh said he didn’t know if Reddick, who missed the team’s OTAs, didn’t attend because of his contract situation.
Saleh said of Reddick: “That guy’s a great guy. “He’s played at a high level in a lot of places. He is a professional and experienced veterinarian. He’s the last person I’d worry would be ready to play football.
Saleh said Rodgers and Reddick will both be fined for skipping minicamp.
The Jets acquired Redick, 29, from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. He is in the final year of his contract and is set to receive a $14.25 million salary from the Jets in 2024. Redick is coming off four consecutive 10-sack seasons, including 27 over the last two years in Philadelphia.
Reddick, it seems, still wants a new contract. Reddick’s contract includes a $250,000 roster bonus, a clear sign that he wants long-term security.
After the March trade, Redick told reporters regarding his deal, “I’ll be happy with whatever happens. I’m going to give it my all no matter what.
What to do with nothing
The Jets were hoping Reddick would participate in the offseason program. He clearly changed his mind as a result of his desire for a new contract, which was one of the main reasons the Eagles wanted to trade him in the first place. It was reported before the trade that Redick was asking for a salary in the range of $25 million per season, which would make him one of the highest-paid pass rushers in the NFL. He is set to earn $14.25 million in the final year of his contract.
By skipping voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp, Redick paid a $250,000 workout bonus and would have been fined an additional $50,000 if he skipped minicamp. While it’s still unclear what Reddick’s intentions are, Saleh isn’t worried about the possibility of him skipping training camp. The Jets were looking forward to a quiet offseason, which provides an unnecessary distraction. There has been no indication yet whether the Jets are actually willing to sign Reddick to a new deal, though there was a feeling they would play through his current deal after the trade.
As for Rodgers, the Jets’ star quarterback has been a thorough participant in the offseason program and OTA practices. He also took part in a photoshoot with his teammates on Monday before leaving for an undisclosed “event” that Saleh mentioned. Rodgers’ absence ultimately wasn’t a big deal, although the rest of his teammates should be in attendance, and it’s fair to wonder if they’ll be accorded the same respect — and Saleh said Rodgers didn’t mind the omission. If they don’t show up for training. Either way, Rodgers has spent all offseason building chemistry with his teammates, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Required reading
(Photo: Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
