Haason Reddick expected to return to NY Jets as soon as today, per report

The holdout may finally be over!
Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
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NY Jets defensive end Haason Reddick has been absent from all team events ever since his introductory press conference in April. The All-Pro pass rusher remains in an extended holdout as he seeks a new contract that he likely isn't going to receive.

Reddick has accumulated over $5 million in fines and seems almost guaranteed to miss at least one regular-season game. But with the Jets just days away from their Week 1 opener against the San Francisco 49ers, there might finally be a light at the end of the tunnel.

Former NFL general manager turned analyst Michael Lombardi is reporting that Reddick is expected to finally report to the Jets at some point within the next 48 hours. Lombardi insists that Reddick's holdout will end either "today or tomorrow."

Lombardi previously called the Reddick situation the "dumbest holdout of the year," insisting that it was even more nonsensical than Le'Veon Bell's holdout a few years ago.

What makes this report even more notable is that it's apparently coming from Reddick's camp, not the Jets. That makes this one of the first reports on this situation to come directly from Reddick's camp, at least if Lombardi is to be believed.

NY Jets' Haason Reddick expected to end his holdout 'today or tomorrow'

Lombardi went on to provide additional details about Reddick's stance and why he's continued to hold out into September. The ex-GM insisted that there's been "frustration" not only from the Jets but from Reddick's camp as well.

Lombardi suggested that Reddick's representatives "realize how stupid of a holdout [this] is" and that they've "had a hard time convincing" him to show up and report. That would put to bed the narrative that Reddick is receiving bad advice, implying the holdout has been his decision.

All of that seems to add up, given the confusing nature of how this has been handled by Reddick. The former All-Pro has lost over $5 million to this point, has issued a phony trade request, and is no closer to receiving the long-term extension he's seeking.

Reports suggest that no NFL team is willing to trade for Reddick and give him the contract he wants. In essence, he's overvaluing his market and throwing away money with no end game in sight. That doesn't feel like the type of move an agent would make.

Perhaps Reddick has finally come to his senses and realizes that there is no positive outcome for him if he continues to hold out. The Jets refuse to negotiate with him until he reports, and there's no implication that they'll change their stance at any point.

If Reddick wants to get paid, he's going to have to show up. Unfortunately, it's likely too late for him to be able to suit up for Week 1, but if all goes according to plan, the Jets should have Reddick in the building and ready to play next week.

The Haason Reddick situation might finally be nearing its end. Sanity will hopefully prevail.

*Update: Reddick's agent, Tory Dandy, has since denied the report, insisting that Lombardi hasn't spoken to anyone directly in Reddick's camp.

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