It feels like no one is talking about the return of the New York Jets former first round pick, Jermaine Johnson. Johnson went down with a non contact injury in Week 2 of last season. As such, his presence has disappeared from our football nucleus in the last ten months.
Reports coming out of the Jets camp say that the 26-year-old will be fully recovered from the career threatening injury, and should be good to go for Week 1. Writer Michael Zimmelman believes the addition of the young edge rusher has been understated so far.
“If all goes well, Johnson’s return can be a big turning point for the team’s long-term core,” Zimmelman writes. “Especially if he can help make things easier for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and edge rusher Will McDonald.”
The team’s biggest signing of the offseason was, obviously, Justin Fields. But besides a new spinner, the team really didn’t make any high profile moves. This implies that new head coach Aaron Glenn believes the roster is capable of competing as is. The addition of Jermaine Johnson surely makes the case stronger.
“Johnson’s return to form will be crucial for the Jets defense,” Zimmelman continued. “Another strong year from him and a productive year for McDonald should entrench them as the primary edge rushers long term.”
“Thankfully, Johnson will be working with an experienced mind in defensive line coach Eric Washington. With 18 years of experience working on NFL defensive staffs, Washington has a tremendous amount of experience he can lend to this defense.”
Do Not Forget About Jermaine Johnson’s 2023 Season
As a rookie, the man who the Jets traded up nine spots for, and made their third selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled to find production. Tallying just 2.5 sacks in 15 games, Johnson had a typical rookie year.
But there was no sophomore slump for the second year player out of Florida State University. The Seminole exploded onto the scene with 7.5 sacks after starting all 17 games. He even returned an interception 37 yards to the house.
He earned his first career Pro Bowl appearance after bringing down 55 ball carriers, and alongside 2023 first round pick Will Macdonald, it looked like the Jets edge was solved for years to come.
A torn Achilles put a hole in this plan but fans should hold out hope for Johnson to return in a big way.
Aaron Glenn Speaks On Johnson
If you still had doubts about Johnson’s return, heed the words of the big man himself, Aaron Glenn.
“He’s a hard-nosed, physical, violent player that’s very athletic that has the ability to win off the edge and make plays on the quarterback,” Glenn told The Associated Press. “Listen, you don’t get a lot of guys that have the athleticism as he does but still be strong and powerful to be able to hold against the run. So I’m excited to see that player get out there in training camp and going into the first game.”
As far as the defensive game plan goes, Johnson has not been forgotten.
“So he’s going to be a huge part of what we’re doing,” Glenn continued. “He knows that. But again, he understands what he’s got to get better at, too.”
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