The New York Jets appear to be all in on the Aaron Rodgers era, as they continue to fortify their pass-rushing attack by acquiring star linebacker Haason Reddick in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
In return, they are sending a conditional 2026 third-round draft pick that will become a second if Reddick plays 67.5 percent of the season while also tallying at least 10 sacks. The 2022 Second-Team All-Pro has made a name for himself through his ability to pressure the quarterback and now joins a Jets defense that already has an established track record of success.
New York lost Bryce Huff in free agency to the Eagles, so the teams are essentially making a swap. Reddick has recorded 50.5 sacks in the last four seasons. The pillar of consistency played for three different franchises during that span, which showcases his valuable adaptability.
The 29-year-old was a vital member of the Eagle's Super Bowl squad in 2022-23 (16 sacks and five forced fumbles) and remained productive last season. The clock was ticking on his time in Philly, though, especially after Huff arrived in town. This trade is particularly beneficial for defensive-minded head coach Robert Saleh, who will have a two-time Pro Bowler lining up on the edge, and an extra veteran presence in the locker room.
Haason Reddick is not immediately signing a new contract with New York, so he is still slated to become a free agent after the 2024-25 season. This short-term commitment speaks to the organization's current mindset. The future is now for the Jets.
Jets are more prepared for year 2 of Aaron Rodgers experiment
When future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers arrived in New York last offseason, enthusiasm reached rabid levels among the Gang Green. Concerns about the polarizing athlete's attitude quickly dissipated after hearing one glowing recommendation after another from his new teammates. But there were a couple of glaring “danger ” signs planted in the Meadowlands that were not properly addressed.
A weak offensive line, sub-optimal backup quarterback situation and an aging, immobile QB all contributed to one of the most abrupt reversals of fortune in recent sports memory. The Jets' grand vision for the 2023-24 campaign quickly faded into oblivion when Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles tendon on the fourth play of the season.
Few teams are truly equipped to withstand the absence of their offensive leader, but New York's front office was exposed for multiple miscalculations that made a team recovery nearly impossible to imagine. This offseason, general manager Joe Douglas is surrounding Rodgers with more balance and protection.
The Haason Reddick acquisition follows the free agency signings of All-Pro offensive tackle Tyron Smith, another solid tackle in veteran Morgan Moses, big-play wide receiver Mike Williams and former Pro Bowl QB Tyrod Taylor, among others. People are understandably conditioned to stay off the Jets' hype train, but these moves are evidence of a strong organizational effort to compete.
While this group still has much to prove on the field next season, fans should not feel superstitious about flashing a small smile.
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