Rodgers, Reddick not attending Jets' mandatory minicamp
The New York Jets kicked off their mandatory minicamp without two of their biggest stars.
Head coach Robert Saleh announced that quarterback Aaron Rodgers and pass-rusher Haason Reddick weren't present at the team's facility Tuesday, according to SNY.
Saleh said both absences are unexcused and subject to fines. Rodgers has been present for OTAs and attended most of the team's offseason activities but had an "important" event scheduled this week.
The 45-year-old coach added that he's not disappointed by Rodgers' absence and that the star passer let the club know about the situation "a while ago."
"He's been very good in communication, he's been here the entire time," Saleh said of Rodgers. " ... He had an event that was very important to him, which he communicated."
"If it's important to him, it's important to us," added Saleh, who confirmed that Rodgers was at the Jets' facility Monday to do his physical and media day.
Meanwhile, Reddick is in the last year of his contract and eyeing a new deal ahead of the 2024 season. The Jets acquired the star pass-rusher in March in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a conditional 2026 third-round pick.
The 29-year-old will be fined over $50,000 if he doesn't join New York during the team's two-day minicamp, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. Reddick - who also skipped the team's OTAs - is set to make $14.25 million in base salary in 2024.
Saleh said he's not concerned about Reddick potentially not being with the club for training camp in July.
"I understand everything that's happening but, at the same time, I know when it comes time to play football - like I said before - he's gonna be ready to play football," Saleh said about Reddick.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Reddick recorded double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons, including 11 in 2023. He previously set a career high with 16 sacks in 2022 while also leading the NFL with five forced fumbles that year.
Rodgers and Reddick were the Jets' two biggest trade acquisitions over the last two seasons. Rodgers, the four-time NFL MVP, missed almost the entire 2023 season after sustaining an Achilles injury four snaps into his New York debut.
With Rodgers absent, veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor - whom N.Y. signed this offseason - will get extra reps with the first-team offense.
"This is a great opportunity, too, for Tyrod to get reps with the ones over the next couple of days," Saleh said. " ... It'll be more beneficial for Tyrod than a loss for Aaron."