The New York Jets’ gamble on Haason Reddick has officially gone bust. After acquiring the Pro Bowl edge rusher from the Philadelphia Eagles in a blockbuster trade, the Jets were unable to secure a long-term extension. Worse, Reddick’s holdout and subsequent struggles on the field left the team reeling, with the once-dominant pass rusher posting just one sack and one forced fumble in nine games. A player who had amassed 50.5 sacks in the previous four seasons became a non-factor in New York.
Reddick Era Ends, Jets Turn to the Draft
As Reddick heads into free agency, the Jets seem poised to hit the reset button on their pass rush. According to Yahoo Sports analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald, New York is expected to target Abdul Carter, Penn State’s standout edge rusher, in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
“Abdul Carter can be up and down against the run, but he has the high-end pass rushing potential and could replenish a once-elite unit that is starting to have to evolve its cast of characters,” the analysts noted.
Why Abdul Carter Fits the Jets’ Plans
Carter is a proven game-changer. The junior from Penn State has racked up 22 sacks across three seasons, including 11 this past year, solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive prospects in the draft. Known for his explosive first step and relentless motor, Carter is viewed by many as the top pass-rushing talent in the 2025 draft class. His knack for pressuring quarterbacks would be a welcome addition to a Jets defense that is starting to show cracks in its once-feared front line.
A Familiar Blueprint for the Jets
Selecting Carter would align with the Jets’ recent draft philosophy. Despite the potential departure of GM Joe Douglas, New York has consistently prioritized defensive linemen early in the draft. Adding Carter would not only fill the void left by Reddick but also provide the team with a younger, cheaper option to rebuild their pass rush.
A Rebuilding Moment for a Once-Elite Unit
The Jets’ defensive line, once the backbone of their playoff aspirations, now faces an evolution. Veterans like Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers remain cornerstones, but the supporting cast is thinning. Carter offers the potential to anchor the edge for years to come, combining youth with high upside to keep the Jets’ defense competitive.
The Verdict
The Haason Reddick experiment will go down as one of the more puzzling misfires in recent Jets history. However, drafting a player like Abdul Carter could right the ship quickly. With Carter’s elite pass-rushing skills and the Jets’ desperate need for an edge presence, this pairing feels almost inevitable.
If the Jets can secure Carter, they might finally have a long-term solution to their pass-rushing woes—and an antidote to the disaster that was Reddick’s short-lived tenure in New York.
