Jets' Woody Johnson: Haason Reddick's Contract Holdout 'Something I've Never Seen'

After firing head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is now ready to move on to a new task: ending Haason Reddick's holdout.

Reddick, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to New York this offseason, has yet to play for the Jets so far this year. In a call with the media following Saleh's firing, Johnson expressed his frustration with the situation.

"This is something I've never seen before," Johnson said, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. "You have to be part psychologist and part some other gist to try to figure out what is actually going on. I hope that the young man can come to the team. We'd welcome him with open arms. When he gets here, he'll find a very welcome locker room."

While he is annoyed Reddick is still holding out, Johnson said he would welcome the linebacker with open arms.

"Haason, get in your car, drive down 95 and come to the New York Jets," he said, per Garafolo. "We can meet you and get you an escort right into the building."

Reddick was set to play on the final year of his contract and earn $14.25 million but has instead amassed a number of fines for missing team activities and games.

He requested a trade from the Jets in August before even playing a snap for them but did not receive it. He's missed the first five games of the year.

"We have informed Haason that we will not trade him, that he is expected to be here with his teammates and that he will continue to be fined per the CBA if he does not report," Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in August. "Since the trade discussions back in March, we have been clear, direct and consistent with our position. Our focus will remain on the guys we have here as we prepare for the regular season."

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Reddick would lose $21.75 million if he holds out all year. He would lose $14.25 million in Paragraph 5 base salary, $4.5 million in fines and $3 million in discretionary bonus forfeiture.

Whether Johnson's plea to get Reddick to come back to the Jets will be successful is to be determined, but New York could certainly use the two-time Pro Bowler after a 2-3 start.

Reddick is coming off a season that saw him collect 38 tackles, 11 sacks and a forced fumble. In 2022, he had 49 tackles, 16 sacks and five forced fumbles.