Even before New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson confirmed via social media that he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during Sunday’s 24-17 win at the Tennessee Titans that improved New York to 1-1 on the campaign, some wondered if his injury could cause general manager Joe Douglas to give pass-rusher Haason Reddick the contract extension Reddick wants amid his holdout.
NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY revealed on Monday that nothing regarding the Reddick situation changed following Sunday’s events.
“There’s been no indication the Jets are willing to blink in their standoff … That remains true,” Hughes said. “They won’t negotiate until Reddick shows up. Reddick won’t show up until he gets a new deal.”
It was reported last week that at least one unnamed NFC executive believed at that time the Jets may “have” to be willing to get something in return for Reddick’s services before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. Gang Green acquired the 29-year-old from the Philadelphia Eagles this past spring, but Douglas clearly misread Reddick’s willingness to stay away from the Jets through multiple regular-season games without an extension.
Even if Reddick put pen to paper on a deal and reported to the Jets before Monday night concluded, logic suggests he wouldn’t be available to play in this coming Thursday’s prime-time matchup versus the 1-1 New England Patriots. As of Monday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Reddick-less Jets as 6-point favorites against New England.
With that said, getting Reddick in the building sooner rather than later could allow him to be ready to play against the Denver Broncos (0-2) in Week 4 on Sept. 29.
Jets starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers turns 41-years-old this coming December and, quite frankly, hasn’t yet looked elite coming off the torn Achilles he suffered on Sept. 11 of last year. According to ESPN stats, Rodgers entered Monday ranked 16th in the NFL among qualified players with a 47.4 adjusted QBR on the season.
The win-now Jets could’ve used Reddick during the Week 1 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers when Johnson was in the lineup. Douglas refusing to pay Reddick this week could result in fans turning on the executive as soon as Thursday if the Jets suffer an upset home defeat against the hated Patriots.
