“Only reason you’re relevant is because Aaron Rodgers showed up!” Stephen A. Smith is infuriated over the Jets’ reluctance to pay star LB Haason Reddick

Haason Reddick has 27 sacks over the last two seasons with the Eagles.

“Only reason you’re relevant is because Aaron Rodgers showed up!” Stephen A. Smith is infuriated over the Jets’ reluctance to pay star LB Haason Reddick

Haason Reddick and Stephen A. Smith (Image via IMAGO)

The New York Jets are optimistic about having a breakout season this year. Aaron Rodgers is back in the mix after a year in which an Achilles injury kept him on the sidelines. But before the season commences, the Jets are having struggles of their own already.

Star linebacker Haason Reddick is holding out from the team over disagreements in his contract extension talks. The New York Jets acquired Reddick via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in the off-season. He is now seeking a contract that would pay him in the $20-25 million range but the franchise is not completely sold on paying him that much.

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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is baffled at the Jets’ second-guessing themselves to pay a star considering the team intends to contend for a championship this year. Smith called the team out via First Take and gave them a harsh reality check.

FS Video
Don't be stupid, stop acting like you are something you're not. The New York Jets haven't been to the playoffs since 2010. Aaron Rodgers, obviously is the face of the franchise and the most important component. But let's talk about who Haason Reddick is..."
Stephen A. Smith said

The analyst pointed out the edge rusher’s remarkable stats. He has 50.5 sacks over the last four years and made his presence felt on the defensive end.

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Robert Saleh and Haason Reddick

Haason Reddick will make $14.25 million as he enters the final year of his current deal

This number puts Reddick amongst the top-edge rushers in the NFL. The only other players to have put up similar numbers are Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, and Trey Hendrickson. The Jets need to sign Reddick because they just lost their leading edge rusher in Bryce Huff to the Eagles.

Haason Reddick
Haason Reddick (via Imago)

Stephen A. believes this is all the more reason, the team must not waste any time questioning if Reddick must be paid or not. 

You're the Jets. You're irrelevant, the only reason you're relevant is because Aaron Rodgers showed up. Who the hell do you think you are? Get it done...that's what you need to do. They don't need to be acting like they're somebody special...Figure out a way to get it done because you're the Jets.
Stephen A. Smith said

The arrival of Aaron Rodgers is the only reason MetLife Stadium will be packed this season. He brought back life and excitement into this franchise but he can only control the game from an offensive standpoint.

Haason Reddick is as good as they come defensively. If the Jets cannot value him, then another team will. Stephen A. warned the Jets that if they fail to keep Reddick on board, it will come back to haunt them.

As the linebacker continues his holdout, each missed practice will cost him $50,000. But he seems to have made up his mind that unless he gets paid, he’ll not give in.

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