Rodgers wants Reddick a Jet; Saleh says holdout not a distraction - ESPN

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has witnessed just about everything over two decades in the NFL, but this is a new one: a teammate — edge rusher Haason Reddick — requesting a trade before showing up for a single practice.

Unusual, yes, but Rodgers said Tuesday he wishes Reddick will reconsider his position. The four-time MVP hinted that he might reach out to Reddick to try to convince him to join what he anticipates will be «a fun ride» in 2024.

«There's always new things in the league,» Rodgers said after practice. «I've been around 20 years; I've seen a lot of stuff. I think as players we always first try to side with the player because we know what it's like to be a player.

»I don't know him well. I had a couple messages with him, I believe, when he got traded. Obviously, we'd love him to be here, but we don't judge him for trying to do what's best for him. I think what's best for him is to be a Jet because this is going to be a fun ride. But he's got to make the best decision for him and his family."

Asked if he will speak to Reddick, a smiling Rodgers said, «Yeah, it's possible. Anything is possible.»

On Monday, the 21st day of his contract holdout, Reddick officially requested a trade. In response, general manager Joe Douglas, who acquired the two-time Pro Bowler from the Philadelphia Eagles on March 29, said in a statement that Reddick's camp was informed that he won't be traded.

Reddick, who has one year remaining on his contract, visited the Jets' facility on April 1 for an introductory news conference and a physical. That was the last they've seen of him. The contract standoff has no end in sight, with the two sides apparently at odds over whether he was promised a long-term