Haason Reddick has reportedly requested a trade from the Jets, a report that the team has all but confirmed after issuing a statement saying they have told the prolific pass rusher that they will not be trading him, and will continue to fine him daily until he reports to camp.
Reddick’s holdout has led many to question why the Jets traded for him in the first place, knowing he was in the final year of a contract, and Morash believes there might be a newfound “arrogance” at play within the front office that has built up since making a blockbuster splash for Aaron Rodgers last offseason.
“There is an ultimate, ultimate arrogance that has plagued this Jet team and the building of a roster,” Morash said. “I think one thing is clear. The Jets having Aaron Rodgers, and all the benefit that has brought, has given Joe Douglas a little extra swag that the jets are an attractive team to play for. I guess he ultimately felt, no matter what, ‘Let’s get the trade done and get him here and we’ll figure out the contract, and tiebreaker will be that he’s gonna want to be here because we think we’re a Super Bowl contender.’
“I think that has backfired immensely. Haason Reddick was already on a team that was a Super Bowl contender, and now he wants to be paid.”
Evan wanted to look ahead to how the Reddick drama will end, but Morash said it was also important to take a look back and debate whether or not the trade made any sense to begin with, as it certainly is making less sense now, as Reddick continues to hold and cost himself over $1 million so far.
“You should have belief in some of these first-round picks. The Jets shouldn’t need Haason Reddick!” Morash said. “Shouldn’t the elevation of Will McDonald have replaced Bryce Huff to begin with? I wouldn’t have made this trade in the first place.”