The San Francisco 49ers kick off the 2024 regular season with an intriguing matchup against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. The game features a clash between two franchises with deep ties, thanks to Jets head coach Robert Saleh and several former 49ers players who followed him to New York. Both teams enter the season with Super Bowl aspirations, but the Jets are facing a significant obstacle heading into the opener.
Jets Pro Bowl defensive end Haason Reddick is likely to miss the Monday night showdown due to his ongoing contract holdout. Reddick, who was traded to New York this offseason from the Philadelphia Eagles, has yet to suit up for the Jets as he seeks a new deal. According to the Associated Press, Saleh hinted that Reddick’s absence is all but certain, saying it’s “fair to say” the star pass rusher won’t play against San Francisco.
“He’s got to sort through the financial stuff, which is none of my business,” Saleh said when asked about Reddick’s status. “I said it when I first got hired that our job is to help these guys make money. So, I always stay clear of it. Our job is to coach him when he gets here and love him up when he gets here.”
Reddick’s absence is a blow to the Jets’ defense, which will be tested by San Francisco’s potent offense. New York will also be without special teams ace Zaire Barnes due to an ankle injury, and backup offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer is sidelined as well.
Christian McCaffrey Ready for Action
While the Jets deal with absences, the 49ers have reason for optimism, as All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to suit up for Monday night’s contest. McCaffrey missed four weeks of training camp due to an Achilles issue, but he is set to take the field against the Jets. When asked if there were any concerns about his availability, McCaffrey provided a simple and confident response: “Nope.”
Since arriving in San Francisco, McCaffrey has managed to avoid major injuries, but head coach Kyle Shanahan may still be cautious with his workload. With several other players dealing with injuries, the 49ers will likely monitor McCaffrey closely to ensure he stays healthy for the long haul.
San Francisco has a few injury concerns heading into the opener. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Dee Winters have yet to fully participate in practice this week, while safety Talanoa Hufanga, guard Aaron Banks, and running back Isaac Guerendo have been limited in practice along with McCaffrey.
Could the 49ers Trade for Haason Reddick?
Reddick’s ongoing holdout with the Jets could force New York to consider a trade if negotiations stall. Despite acquiring Reddick from Philadelphia this offseason, the Jets have seen little return on their investment due to the contract dispute.
If the Jets decide to move on, one possible destination could be San Francisco. The 49ers, firmly in their Super Bowl window, could use another pass rusher, especially with offseason additions Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos both battling knee injuries. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently discussed the possibility of the 49ers kicking the tires on a potential trade for Reddick.
“The 49ers might also want to kick the tires on Reddick. San Francisco could face major cap issues in 2025, when quarterback Brock Purdy will be extension-eligible, but it has $46.4 million in cap space available now,” Knox wrote. “San Francisco is also firmly in its Super Bowl window and may need more depth in its pass-rushing rotation.”
Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler, has been one of the most consistent pass rushers in the NFL over the past four seasons. He recorded 11 sacks in 2023 and has hit double-digit sacks in each of the past four years. His potential addition would bolster an already formidable 49ers defense, making them even more dangerous as they chase another Super Bowl appearance.
As the season kicks off, the 49ers and Jets are both aiming for the ultimate prize. However, the absence of Reddick could be a deciding factor in their Week 1 clash, and a potential trade may reshape the future of both franchises.
