With just a few days until the Jets season kicks off, we'll finally be able to analyze some actual football, but until then, we'll be discussing some of the off-field buzz surrounding the team.
The 49ers' real preparations begin with practice on Thursday when the team will fully transition into regular-season mode, and with that transition approaching, I thought now would be a good time to take a look at some of the big news surrounding the team this week.
1. The biggest story right now is the suspension of pass rusher Haason Reddick. I've been asked multiple times how I think this situation will end, and I really don't know. I don't think it will be over by the time Reddick plays on Monday night. I think he'll need to practice on Thursday to play, which is unlikely unless he suddenly changes his mind.
Both sides seem really tenacious in their negotiations. The Jets refuse to negotiate until Redick shows up, and Redick won't show up until he signs a new contract. Someone's going to have to turn a blind eye.
Right now, I don't think Redick has much leverage. The defense isn't going to fall apart without him. They still have a ton of good players. Now, if they can't pressure Brock Purdy and the QB has a great game, Redick will suddenly have a boost on Tuesday morning. The coaching staff and front office will get restless, and maybe Redick can bring the Jets to the negotiating table.
Redick signaled in training camp that he was willing to pay more than $2 million in fines. Now he stands to miss out on game pay, which comes to roughly $800,000 a week. That will add up quickly. How long can he afford it?
This is an interesting mess the Jets find themselves in. I think their defense is fine without Redick…for now. But to get to where they want to be – playoff games in January and February – they'll need Redick. Imagine the Jets playing at Arrowhead Stadium in January with and without Redick. Which one would look much better?
2. The Jets signed nickel cornerback Michael Carter II to a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension on Tuesday. There's no one on the team who can't be happy with Carter, who has been one of the most reliable players on defense and one of the most well-liked players in the locker room during his three years with the team.
This is the first Joe Douglas draft pick to earn a multi-year contract extension from the Jets. He's arguably the best of Douglas' draft picks. Douglas hit a home run in the 2022 draft, but it was four top picks. Carter was a fifth-round pick out of Duke. He's the kind of day three talent the Jets haven't found in recent years.
It's easy to overlook Carter in a star-studded defense, but this contract shows how highly the team values him.
3. Speaking of cornerback contracts, the Broncos handed Pat Surtin a four-year, $96 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Source Gardner could be the next contender for that title. Gardner will be eligible for a contract extension after this season, his third year. He will undoubtedly be in the running to become the highest-paid cornerback, and Surtin's $24 million annual salary is the benchmark for Gardner's contract negotiations. The Jets would be wise to acquire Gardner as soon as possible before the price rises again. Barring a dramatic setback this season, Gardner has proven himself to be one of the best cornerbacks in football.
4. The Jets announced their captains on Tuesday, and the one that caught my eye was Quinnen Williams. His selection by his teammates shows that Williams is coming into his own as a leader. Williams has led by example for years, but has been a reserved player in the locker room. Last season, we saw Williams take on a more vocal role, and that continues to be the case today. He set the tone for the defense, and his teammates recognized that with this honor.
