Discussing the second-most talked about absence at Jets minicamp, Haason Reddick is still at odds with his new team. While Aaron Rodgers’ absence last week garnered more attention, Reddick’s situation is the main focus for a Jets team that traded a third-round pick for the Pro Bowl edge rusher earlier in the offseason.

Reddick is looking for a new contract, and while the Jets are open to this idea, it doesn’t seem to be the preferred solution for the team. It’s unlikely that the Jets will extend Reddick before the season, according to the New York Post’s Brian Costello, who doesn’t see the team giving in on this issue this summer.

Last week, a report from ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini implied that Jets GM Joe Douglas is hesitant to offer extensions to players 29 and older or immediately extend newly acquired talent. Reddick, who will turn 30 in September, falls into both categories. While many teams extend high-end players acquired via trade, the Jets seem to be avoiding this with Reddick.

Although the team doesn’t see Reddick as a short-term rental, their actions suggest they are not eager to extend their partnership beyond 2024. This is unlike the Giants (Brian Burns), Bears (Montez Sweat), and Dolphins (Bradley Chubb) who promptly extended their acquired edge rushers. However, each of those players was at least two years younger than Reddick at the time of their deals.

The Jets opted not to re-sign Bryce Huff in free agency, instead focusing on Reddick, who they view as a three-down player. The team sees Reddick as a key player, and they effectively traded away Huff to make room for him. While there may be doubt about extending Reddick, the team is hopeful for a resolution before training camp.

New York also traded John Franklin-Myers to accommodate Reddick’s contract, which is currently tied for 19th among edges. Reddick will play a leading role alongside first-round picks Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald. It’s possible that an incentive package could be the resolution to this situation, potentially leading to Reddick becoming a free agent in 2025.

Although the Jets have exclusive negotiating rights with Reddick until next March, their current stance doesn’t suggest a shift towards extending his contract. If Reddick enters the season without a new deal, he will likely be viewed as a rental player, with a potential fifth team on the horizon in 2025.