Jets’ Haason Reddick Officially Signs New Contract, What Impact Will He Bring to Defense?

The New York Jets have been making major moves in an attempt to salvage the season and help get the team to the playoffs.

First, they fired head coach Robert Saleh after only five games, putting defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich temporarily in charge.

Then they traded for wide receiver Davante Adams, a six-time Pro Bowler who has experience playing with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Now, the Jets have further solidified their impressive defense.

According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Jets have officially signed a deal with edge rusher Haason Reddick, who had been holding out to finalize his contract.

“Deal is now done, officially: Pro-Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick signed his adjusted one-year deal this morning with the New York Jets, per Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha,” Schefter said. “Reddick will make his Jets debut Sunday in New England.”

Reddick has sat out all of training camp and the first seven games of the season. Now, he appears to be ready to suit up and face the Patriots.

The Jets already have one of the best defenses in the NFL, ranking second in average passing yards allowed (164.7) and sixth in total average yards allowed (292.4).

Reddick is only going to help make these statistics even better. A defensive standout at Temple University, Reddick was named first-team All-AAC his senior year after making 65 total tackles and 10.5 sacks.

More NFL: Browns Officially Activate Pro Bowl OL Who Missed Last Four Games

Reddick was then selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He became a regular fixture with the Cardinals, recording a total of 255 combined tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 32 quarterback hits, 20 sacks, 15 pass deflections, and nine forced fumbles.

Reddick then found himself playing with the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded 68 combined tackles, 18 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two forced fumbles.

Despite performing well in the first five seasons, Reddick had a breakthrough season in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded 49 combined tackles, 26 quarterback hits, 16 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and three pass deflections. He also led the league in forced fumbles with five.

More NFL: Cowboys Set to Elevate Dalvin Cook to Boost Lacking Run Game

This season saw Reddick named to his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro. He proved to be an integral part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run, recording nine combined tackles, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble in the playoffs.

In 2023, Reddick had another Pro Bowl season, recording 38 total tackles, 23 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and one pass deflection.

Now, Reddick will be looking to bring that same defensive caliber to the second half of the Jets’ season.

For more Jets and NFL news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.