Given how poorly the New York Jets season has gone, it’s no surprise that teams across the NFL are starting to sniff around Gang Green.
New York’s 0-6 start to the season has left Jets fans up in arms, and since there’s already speculation about Breece Hall getting shipped elsewhere, another prominent Jets name is starting to get tossed around.
Defensive end Jermaine Johnson is starting to generate interest on the trade market, and reports coming out of East Rutherford is that the Jets want a lot in return.
It was first reported by Jets reporter and SNY’s NFL Insider Connor Hughes.
Rightfully so, because in 2023, Johnson was well on his way to becoming one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL. He posted 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 55 total tackles, an interception, and seven pass breakups – ultimately leading to a Pro Bowl season.
However, in Week 2 of last season Johnson suffered a ruptured his Achilles that forced him to miss all of the season.
He did, also, miss a few games this season due tweaking his ankle in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.
Moral of the story, maybe don’t play Johnson during each Week 2 of the season?
All jokes aside, the Jets had already picked up his fifth-year team option for the 2026 season, so he’s still under a decent contract.
Johnson himself was made aware of the reports, and he took to X addressing the rumors with a single emoji.
Certain teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions certainly could use another edge rusher. But given how much the Ravens’ season has fallen apart, you can probably write them off.
Jacksonville is an interesting option to add to the already dominant edge combo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. The Jags need more help on the interior, so they could just look for additional help after the season.
Detroit, on the other hand, likely needs Johnson the most. Aside from Aidan Hutchinson, it’s getting a career year out of Al-Quadin Muhammad, but Tyler Lacy has been nothing but mediocre. He’s played in four games so far, and he’s only registered five total tackles.
The Lions also have solid draft capital, with a first round pick and a second rounder. Likely, the Lions will want to compete for the Super Bowl, and given how well Detroit has drafted over the years, it may opt to trade for an established Pro Bowler.
What will the Jets price ultimately be? No one really knows. But if it’s a hefty price, one would have to think it requires hefty draft capital and a player or two that can help the team now.