Haason Reddick, Traded To Jets April 1, Has Had No Communication With Coach Robert Saleh

Well, this is a different way to establish a bond and relationship in the offseason: New York Jets coach Robert Saleh and Haason Reddick have had no communication since the pass rusher joined the team April 1.

Reddick has not participated in the team's conditioning program or OTAs. That's not a huge issue, because it's voluntary for players. But Saleh on Tuesday was asked if he's had any communication at all with Reddick:

"I have not," the coach replied.

Robert Saleh reveals coaching pet peeve during "Hard Knocks" episode. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)

Robert Saleh Says No Talks Not Unusual

Again, Reddick joined the team over two months ago. But he and the head coach, who earned his reputation in the NFL as a defensive coach, haven't communicated?

Weird.

And you want to know what's weirder? Saleh says that's not unusual.

"Like I said, you know, for me, I'm focused on the guys who are here," Saleh said. "Haason's a pro. He's been in this league a while. He's produced at a very high level for a long time. He's got his routine.

"If it makes people feel better, we know where he's at, we know what he's doing. And we know he's working his tail off to have a productive '24 season."

Actually, it doesn't make some people feel better because typically a coach and a player will at least call or text each other once they're working for the same team – especially if one of them is a new arrival.

There's also this issue of learning the playbook? Getting assignments right? Getting coached up on it? And establishing a bond with teammates in the locker room?

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy during the NFC Championship game in the NFL Playoffs. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Reddick Wants A New Contract

It's hard to say Reddick has any of that mastered when he has not been around.

So does Saleh know why Reddick has not been present this offseason?

"No," he said.

This gets better by the moment – for the Patriots, Dolphins and Bills.

Didn't someone ask? Didn't Saleh ask whomever in his organization who might know? Haven't the Jets at least had their defensive coordinator or position coach talk to Reddick?

Reddick, you should know, is in the final year of his contract. He collected 27 sacks the past two seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles, including 11 last season. And before his trade to the Jets, he told the Eagles he wanted an extension.

But if that's the case in New York, Saleh is apparently not aware.

"I don't know that," the coach said. "That would be more of a question for [general manager] Joe [Douglas]."

Look, even if Reddick's absence could be understood in the context of a statement about his contract situation, the idea that he and his new head coach haven't had any communication is absurd.

So isn't Saleh concerned?

"No, you know, selfishly, as a coach you want everybody here all the time," Saleh said. "But it is voluntary and I'm thankful for the guys putting in work and those are the guys I'm going to focus on."