The New York Jets completed one of the most significant NFL trades by obtaining Haason Reddick, and legendary Joe Klecko approves of the move.
The Jets acquired Reddick for a seemingly good deal, getting the Pro Bowler for a conditional 2026 draft pick. ESPN staff writer Rich Cimini spoke with Klecko about the Jets trade, and he had only positive things to say about Reddick.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Klecko informed Cimini. “I don’t care how strong their defense was last year; it wasn’t strong enough. Reddick significantly improves their football team. The key to countering a great quarterback is having excellent players to pressure the quarterback. That’s how the NFL operates. This is a major move. I'm thrilled about it.”
As one of the most renowned pass rushers in Jets history, Klecko’s support of Reddick should excite fans about his potential in 2024.
Joe Klecko’s Renowned Jets Career
As a member of the famous New York Sack Exchange, Klecko established an impressive career in franchise history.
Klecko was a sixth-round pick from Temple in the 1977 NFL Draft. Although it took him a while to get going, Klecko achieved great success in the 1980s. His accomplishments include three All-Pro selections, four Pro Bowl appearances, and being named Defensive Player of the Year in 1981 with a league-leading 20.5 sacks.
The New York Sack Exchange had an impact on the Jets and the entire league. Not only did they consistently dominate opposing offenses, but their contributions played a significant role in the NFL's decision to officially record sacks as a statistic in 1982.
Klecko’s impact in New York led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite having to wait until the 2023 class, Klecko and his teammates will always be remembered for their impact in Canton.
Haason Reddick Is an Outstanding Pass Rusher
Although he may not have had the same impact on the league as Klecko did in the 1980s, Reddick is still an exceptional pass rusher in his own right.
Similar to Klecko, Reddick also entered the league from Temple as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the Arizona Cardinals infamously misused Reddick, having him play as an off-ball linebacker instead of consistently rushing the passer.
It wasn’t until 2020 when Reddick had his breakout season, accumulating 12.5 sacks with a career-high six forced fumbles. He has now achieved double-digit sacks in four consecutive seasons, including 16 sacks in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reddick now has 58 career sacks and 16 forced fumbles in seven NFL seasons. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons and received second-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
Now, Reddick will have the opportunity to embark on the next chapter of his career with the Jets. At 29 years old and with the talent the Jets have on defense, he could become a crucial contributor and help establish one of the most dominant units in the league in 2024.
