The New York Jets’ 2024 season opener didn’t go as planned, as they fell to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Despite being underdogs by more than a field goal, the Jets had hoped to keep the game competitive against a team seen as a Super Bowl favorite. However, what stood out was the unexpected struggle of the Jets’ defense, which surrendered 32 points and was physically overpowered by the 49ers’ offensive line. The defense struggled to stop the run game and couldn’t consistently pressure quarterback Brock Purdy, a major issue for a unit that was expected to excel in that area. The absence of edge rusher Haason Reddick was particularly felt in the defeat.
Reddick’s ongoing contract dispute has become a significant distraction for the Jets, with the player accumulating roughly $1 million in fines. His decision to skip the season opener signals a firm stance in negotiations.
Having already requested a trade before the season began, it’s becoming more likely the Jets may need to consider moving Reddick. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently identified Reddick as a prime trade candidate, with the Detroit Lions emerging as a potential landing spot. The Lions have the cap space to give Reddick the new contract he’s seeking and are strong contenders in the NFC. “The Lions should be interested in adding a top-tier complement to Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit’s defense looked solid against the Los Angeles Rams, but with their Super Bowl window just opening, they shouldn’t hesitate to add more key players.”
A trade to Detroit would benefit both sides, as Reddick and Hutchinson would form a powerful duo on the defensive line, boosting the Lions’ pass rush.
For the Jets, even though they had high hopes for this season, the Reddick situation has become a headache. It’s rare for players to sit out due to contract disputes, and this situation is beginning to reflect poorly on the team. Given the circumstances, it may be in the Jets’ best interest to trade Reddick and eliminate the distraction while gaining value in return.