Haason Reddick is almost ready for his long-awaited New York Jets debut

On By Yukito

This will be a debut that was created seven months ago and it seemed that it would not happen earlier than a week ago.

When New York Jets forward Haason Reddick finally joins the Green & White for a regular-season game, it will officially mark the end of a nasty contract dispute that has been lingering since OTAs.

Reddick, 30, was present at practice Wednesday at 1 Jets Drive, trying to get on the field Sunday, Oct. 27, against the New England Patriots.

“I expect him to play,” said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who also serves as the Jets’ defensive coordinator.

Considering that Reddick, a first-round draft pick in 2017, had four straight seasons of at least 11.0 sacks, Ulbrich didn’t seem concerned about the player’s ability to acclimate quickly.

“He is an experienced player. He played in a defense similar to ours. In terms of the schematic things he needs to address, I don’t think it will be a huge struggle for him. Now we’ll just see where he is physically,” Ulbrich said.

Reddick, who arrived on Monday, has been practicing privately away from the team for the past seven months. At the end of March, the Philadelphia Eagles traded their 2023 leader to New York. After the introductory press conference, the New Jersey resident remained away from the facility throughout the voluntary OTAs and mandatory June minicamp.

RELATED: Haason Reddick in “great spirit” after meeting with Jets interim coach

With the break from training camp spilling over into the regular season, Reddick has hired Drew Rosenhaus as his new agent after CAA reportedly ended its relationship with a dissatisfied client earlier this month. Rosenhaus and team owner Woody Johnson reportedly worked together to resolve the dispute.

“When he came in here, I immediately tried to alleviate the feeling that someone was looking at you from the side. The defense covered him. The team embraced him,” Ulbrich said. “I’m excited to include him in what we do. He’s excited to get started, so it’s an exciting time for all of us.”

More New York Jets news:

• The Vikings waived former teammate Aaron Rodgers, who could attract interest from the Jets

• Jets prepare for TE return, place Xavier Newman on IR after scary scene

• A disapproving Bill Belichick explains the New York Jets’ struggles in 9 words

• Former 12-year NFL starter discovers why the Jets are in a bad situation

• Frustration grows as Aaron Rodgers attacks the Jets press corps