With the Jets season opener just a few days away, we can finally analyze the actual football games. Until then, we’ll still talk about the off-field stories surrounding the team.
The real preparation for the 49ers begins with Thursday’s practice, when the team really transitions into regular season mode. As that transition approaches, it seemed like a good idea to take a look at some of the big stories surrounding the team this week.
1. The biggest issue right now is the hold on pass rusher Hasson Redick. I’ve been asked a lot how this is going to end, but I really don’t know. I’ll say that it’s not going to end until Redick plays Monday night. He’s going to have to practice on Thursday to play, and unless he suddenly changes his mind, that’s not going to happen.
It seems like both sides are really stubborn. The Jets won’t negotiate until Reddick shows up, and Reddick won’t show up until he gets a new contract. Someone’s going to have to blink.
As of now, I don’t think Reddick can make a big impact. His absence won’t hurt the defense. There are still a lot of great players. Now, if they can’t pressure Brock Purdy and the QB has a huge game, Reddick will suddenly have momentum on Tuesday morning. The coach and front office will be nervous, and maybe Reddick will get the Jets to the negotiating table.
Redick showed he was willing to pay a fine of more than $2 million in training camp. Now he’s going to miss a game check, which is going to be about $800,000 a week. It’s going to add up fast. How long can he hold out?
It’s an interesting mess for the Jets. I think their defense is fine without Redick… for now. But they’re going to need Redick to get where they want to be, which is in the playoffs in January and February. Imagine the Jets playing in Arrowhead Stadium in January with Redick and without Redick. Which would look much better?
2. The Jets signed nickel cornerback Michael Carter Jr. to a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension on Tuesday. There’s no one on the team who doesn’t like Carter. He was one of the most reliable players on defense during his three years with the team and one of the most popular players in the locker room.
This is the first Joe Douglas draft pick to receive a multi-year extension from the Jets. He could be argued as the best Douglas draft pick. Douglas hit a home run in the 2022 draft class, but it was a four-high draft pick. Carter was drafted in the fifth round out of Duke. He’s the kind of Day 3 gem the Jets haven’t found in years.
It’s easy to overlook the fact that Carter is a great defensive player, but this contract shows how highly the organization values him.
3. Speaking of cornerback contracts, the Broncos gave Pat Surtain a four-year, $96 million extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Source Gardner could be the next candidate to claim that title. Gardner is eligible for an extension after his third season this season. He will certainly want to be the highest-paid cornerback, and Surtain’s $24 million salary is now the baseline for Gardner contract negotiations. The Jets would be wise to secure Gardner as soon as possible before the price goes up again. Barring a dramatic regression this season, Gardner has proven himself to be one of the best cornerbacks in football.
4. The Jets announced their captain on Tuesday. The one who caught my eye was Quinnen Williams. The teammates’ selection shows that Williams is showing his worth as a leader. Williams has been a role model for years, but has been quiet in the locker room. Last season, Williams was able to take on a more vocal role, and he still is. He sets the tone for the defense, and his teammates have recognized this honor.
