The New York Jets' 2024 minicamp isn't off to a great start this summer.
Not only is defensive end Haason Reddick not there, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers is also not in attendance for two days. Jets head coach Robert Saleh added that Rodgers' absence is unexcused and that he had an event that was "very important to him." Both are subject to fines by the Jets.
Rodgers' absence doesn't appear to be as big of a deal because he told the team beforehand, per Saleh. Rodgers is entering his 20th NFL season, so minicamps aren't necessarily as important. He's also been in attendance for almost all of the Jets' offseason activities throughout the spring and summer. The only difference here is those were voluntary offseason workouts, while this week is mandatory and therefore subject to fines if the team doesn't excuse his absences.
"Again, selfishly I want our guys here all the time, but when you get to these mandatory things, you make the best decision for yourself," Saleh said about Rodgers. "Obviously, selfishly, want all of 'em here all the time, but he made a decision and that's where he went."
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The Reddick news is perhaps the bigger story given the implications of his contract negotiations. Reddick joined the Jets in a trade from the Eagles earlier this offseason with one year left on his contract. He didn't attend any of the Jets' voluntary workouts and reports indicate he wants a new deal worth between $25 million and $30 million per year.
Saleh spoke with Reddick over the weekend and knew his intentions to skip practice and added that he's not concerned about his future with the team or his conditioning.
"I appreciate the dialogue," Saleh said. "He's in a really good place mentality. Working his tail off like we already know. But he's choosing to sit out this one. Inexcused. ... I understand everything that's happening but at the same time, I know that when it comes time to play football, like I said before, he's going to be ready to play football.
When asked, Robert Saleh says that he's not concerned about Haason Reddick potentially not being with the Jets at the start of training camp:
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) June 11, 2024
"I know when it comes time to play football, like I said before, he's gonna be ready to play football." pic.twitter.com/Bzq3NekfmJ
Meanwhile, Saleh added that Rodgers' decision not to attend practice means more reps for veteran backup Tyrod Taylor for the first-team early in the offseason. While this isn't necessarily the most important thing in the world, it allows Taylor to build some chemistry with the Jets' top players in the event Rodgers misses time with injury again in 2024.
