Could Jets Replace $45 Million Star With National Championship Hero?

How will the Jets replace Haason Reddick?
Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick (7) on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive end Haason Reddick (7) on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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The New York Jets made a huge trade to acquire edge rusher Haason Reddick ahead of the 2024 season. Reddick ended up holding out for a contract, which limited his production for most of the year. When he returned, he hardly made a difference.

Now the star is a free agent and it's hard to imagine he'll return to New York.

With the Jets looking to replace him, the NFL Draft is the obvious place to do so. If Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter is available at pick No. 7, the Jets could select him, but if he's not available, New York could use their second-round pick on Ohio State edge rusher Jack Sawyer.

Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports recently predicted Sawyer would be a second-round pick. Most projections indicate the edge rusher will land in the top of the second round or the back half of the first round.

"Sawyer is a complete player who does everything at a high level. He’s got ideal size for an NFL edge defender, and he puts that frame to good use as both a run-stuffer and a pass rusher. He’s effective at setting his base and using his size to set a strong edge and shed blockers on his way to the ball carrier, and he’s a polished technician who uses his hands well when it’s time to get to the quarterback. A high-effort player with a nonstop motor, Sawyer is the kind of leader who rallies the entire defense with his presence and sets a high standard with his own play, making big plays in clutch moments that impact games in a massive way."

Sawyer is a former five-star recruit who dominated when the lights were the brightest. He's been the spark plug for Ohio State's top ranked defense all season long, but the College Football Playoff is where he really shined.

Sawyer finished the CFP with 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a touchdown. If he's available in the second round, he could be the ideal pick for the Jets.

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org