Aaron Rodgers: Jets 'Would Love' for Haason Reddick to Play for NY Amid Trade Request

New York Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers understands the perspective of disgruntled linebacker Haason Reddick amid his trade request, but he would still prefer to stick with the team.

"I don't know him well. I had a couple messages with him, I believe, when he got traded," Rodgers told reporters on Tuesday, per ESPN's Rich Cimini. Obviously, we'd love him to be here, but we don't judge him for trying to do what's best for him."

Rodgers added that he believes Reddick's best move would be to join the team, as he could help the Jets achieve success during the 2024 season.

"I think what's best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride," Rodgers said. "But he's got to make the best decision for him and his family."

When asked if he would speak to Reddick, Rodgers replied, "Yeah, it's possible. Anything is possible."

After being acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in April, Reddick sat out all of New York's offseason program and has held out for the entirety of training camp so far amid his ongoing contract dispute. He's making a base salary of $14.25 million in the final year of his contract and made it clear that he wants a salary comparable to the highest-paid edge rushers in the league.

Things reached a boiling point on Monday when Reddick requested to be traded for the second time in less than six months. Jets general manager Joe Douglas released a statement declaring that the team would not trade him. The 29-year-old has been fined a mandatory $50,000 for each day of his absence, bringing his total to over $1 million.

With neither side softening their stance, there's a chance that Reddick's holdout could extend into the season. If he chooses to sit out the year, the Jets will retain his rights for the 2025 campaign.

When asked if Reddick's holdout has been a distraction, head coach Robert Saleh said, "It's not. I promise you, it's not."