It's early. It's not a disaster.
But it's a first impression. And it's not good.
Haason Reddick has made a bit of a mess of his career path with a 2024 season marred by a purposeless extended holdout following a trade from the Philadephia Eagles to the New York Jets.
The defensive end Reddick, who has standout talent, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent this offseason ... and while it's a one-year deal, it's also worth $14 million.
It's a commitment from the Bucs.
And the new player's response to that commitment?
Reddick wasn’t present for the first OTA of the 2025 offseason program.
Said coach Todd Bowles about Reddick’s absence: "I'm sure one of these days, we'll see him.''
Do we sense sarcasm?
Yes, these OTAs are voluntary. But if Reddick - barring some legit reason for missing besides "Hey, this is voluntary'' - is absent just because he thinks it's OK to be absent?
That's not OK.
There is so much upside here; that is undeniable.
Matt Lombardo of Between the Hashmarks believes the Reddick signing is maybe the best for the Bucs this offseason.
“It is now Licht, head coach Todd Bowles, and the Buccaneers who stand to benefit the most from a player who posted 50.5 sacks over the prior four seasons," Lombardo wrote. "What has the chance to be a colossal windfall for the Buccaneers is the fact that Reddick’s deal is a one-year pact worth $14 million, setting the stage for the 30 year old to be wholly motivated to return to his double-digit sack form in hopes of securing his next log-term contract, from the Buccaneers or elsewhere.
"There’s a chance that Reddick is the missing piece in significantly elevating Bowles’ defense in 2025.”
As good as the Bucs have been? "Missing piece'' means a push to the Super Bowl.
Note that Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht hit a pair of in-house home runs, bringing back two of his own in wideout Chris Godwin and linebacker Lavonte David, the latter of whom was contemplating retirement.
So if Licht's outside signing of Reddick is the best of all of it?
Well, the new player has said the right things.
"I'm excited. I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to be in front of the crowd. If anything, I can't wait to get in front of the Krewe," Reddick said upon signing. "I want to hear the cannon go off a lot this year. So, very excited. Hope the fans, hope the Krewe is excited as well. Looking forward to making this a great fit here."
Now, the two-time Pro Bowler who has averaged 8.1 sacks per season just needs to, you know ... Show up for work.