FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — With only 11 days until the season opener, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas sent a clear message Thursday to holdout Haason Reddick: Show up and we'll talk.
«The ball is in their court,» Douglas told reporters, commenting for the first time on the 38-day holdout.
Douglas said he's had no recent conversations with Reddick's agent, Tory Dandy, and he hasn't spoken to Reddick since April 1, the day the Pro Bowl edge rusher visited the Jets' facility, took a physical and conducted his introductory news conference after being acquired in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The GM reiterated that he won't grant Reddick's request for a trade, adding that he won't discuss a revised contract until he reports.
«I think we've been clear from the outset: Let's get here and then let's talk,» said Douglas, claiming he's not frustrated by the prolonged stalemate.
Neither Reddick nor his agent have commented.
This is a highly unusual holdout because the Jets, seeking an edge rusher to replace Bryce Huff (who signed with the Eagles), made a trade for Reddick, who appeared upbeat at his news conference. Reddick's desire for a new contract was widely known, but the Jets executed the trade without having renegotiated his contract.
«I mean, in simple terms, we did talk about an extension,» Douglas said. «Once one wasn't agreed upon, we had the conversation, and we felt good about making the trade. So, obviously, [he] came here, reported, had a great day here [April 1]. Again, we're just waiting his arrival»
Douglas paused several seconds when asked if he believes Reddick reneged on a verbal agreement to play under his existing contract.
«From our standpoint, we've been really clear and direct with our
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Joe Douglas