Rare Holdout in the NFL: Haason Reddick’s Bold Stance
While holdouts lasting into the NFL regular season are uncommon, Haason Reddick’s battle with the New York Jets stands out as a notable exception. After being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles in April for a conditional 2026 third-round pick, Reddick’s contractual dissatisfaction has led to significant fines and marked absences.
A Star Performer in Conflict
Haason Reddick's time with the Philadelphia Eagles was nothing short of impressive. Under a three-year, $45 million contract, Reddick consistently outperformed expectations, boasting a career-high 16 sacks in his first year with the Eagles and managing double-digit sack counts for four consecutive seasons. Despite these accomplishments, Reddick decided to hold out, demanding his contract be revisited.
Reddick’s hardline stance has not been without financial consequences. His absence from the mandatory June minicamp resulted in a fine of $101,716. Furthering his protest, Reddick missed 41 days of training camp, incurring $50,000 fines per day, culminating in a staggering $2.05 million penalty. Additionally, three missed preseason games have cost him an extra $2.375 million in lost salary.
The Jets’ Response
The New York Jets have maintained a firm position throughout Reddick’s holdout, stipulating that he must return to the team before any contractual discussions can take place. The team’s hardened stance included a refusal to entertain Reddick’s trade request made during training camp. Furthermore, each missed week during the regular season translates to a $791,667 loss in Reddick’s base salary, impacting his financial standing even more severely.
After missing the game against the New England Patriots, Reddick’s total lost salary has hit $2.375 million. The situation may perilously extend; if Reddick remains absent for the entire season, his contract stands the risk of being tolled for a full year, although historical precedents like Joey Galloway’s 1999 grievance against the Seattle Seahawks highlight the potential complexities of such outcomes.
Historical Context of Holdouts
Reddick’s holdout recalls several notable instances in NFL history where players have engaged in prolonged absences over contractual disputes. In 2015, Kam Chancellor held out for 54 days, a move that resulted in nearly $3.1 million being moved forward in his contract. Chancellor ultimately ended his holdout after the Seattle Seahawks suffered two consecutive losses.
Other players, such as Duane Brown in 2017, returned from their holdouts without securing new contracts, though Brown was swiftly traded to the Seahawks. Melvin Gordon’s 2019 holdout lasted until the completion of the fourth game week, which provided an opportunity for Austin Ekeler to make a significant impact in his absence. Le'Veon Bell took an even more drastic measure by sitting out the entire 2018 season, an action that made him the first franchise player to do so since Dan Williams in 1998.
The financial toll of these holdouts can be substantial. Chris Jones’ 51-day holdout in 2023 saw him accumulate around $3.25 million in fines and lost wages. While Jones’ return included some adjustments to his contract, it fell short of a long-term deal. Similarly, Trent Williams, dissatisfied with both his medical treatment and contract, engaged in a notable holdout in 2019, but returned without seeing changes to his contract.
The Path Forward
As Reddick continues his holdout with the New York Jets, the NFL’s trading deadline, aligned with Week 9 and extended to November 5, looms as a critical junction. The NFLPA has also underscored that the deadline for signing unsigned franchise and transition players, draft picks, and restricted free agents, this year falls on November 12. This deadline may bring a resolution, one way or another, to Reddick's stand-off.
It remains to be seen whether Reddick will return under his current contract, secure a new deal, or if the standoff will last the entire season. His steadfast determination serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths some players are willing to go to ensure their contracts reflect their value on the field.