A surprise name on the New York Jets roster has emerged in trade talks ahead of the November 4 NFL deadline.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY revealed that, “DE Jermaine Johnson is a name that has come up for several teams in need of edge help in trade discussions, sources told SNY. It would take ‘a lot’ for the Jets to part with Johnson, a team involved in those conversations said.”
The fourth-year pro is 26 years of age and originally entered the league as the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.
Johnson Responds to Trade Rumors on Social Media
Johnson posted a cryptic face with a raised eyebrow emoji, “🤨” less than an hour after Hughes’ post went up on social media.
According to Emojipedia, the face with a raised eyebrow emoji “Conveys a wide variety of sentiments, including suspicion, skepticism, concern, consideration, disbelief, and disapproval.”
Detailing Johnson’s Contract Situation With the Jets
The former Florida State product is under contract for the next two years through the 2026 season. This offseason, the Jets exercised the $13.4 million fully guaranteed fifth-year team option on Johnson’s contract.
“The only reason this would even be considered, IMO, is if the Jets don’t anticipate re-signing him next offseason (he’s on the fifth-year option in 2026). Personally, I think Jermaine Johnson is a guy you build around,” Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic argued.
According to Over The Cap, the Jets are set to have $74.83 million in available cap space next offseason. That would rank seventh most in the NFL.
Johnson Is the Heartbeat of This Jets Defense
The Jets‘ defense was on pace to give up more points than any D in franchise history through the first five weeks of the season.
In Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, everything changed. Johnson returned to the lineup after a three-week absence from a calf/ankle issue. Coincidence? I think not.
The Jets held Denver to its lowest scoring total of the season (13 points), restricted the Broncos‘ rushing attack to just 78 yards, and forced their first takeaway of the season.
Johnson, across his first four seasons, has registered 11 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, 16 tackles for loss, and has a pick-six on his resume.
Top Social Media Reactions to Johnson Trade Rumors
ESPN radio host Jake Asman said, “Jermaine Johnson is a leader and part of the solution for this team’s future. Trading him would be a massive mistake. As bad as the Jets look, I don’t believe even they’d be foolish enough to do this.”
“This is one of those players the #Jets should have absolutely no interest in trading. Easily their best player at a major position of need. Should be an obvious extension candidate. Tone-setter, difference-maker, and team leader. Jermaine Johnson is a part of the solution,” The Jet Press posted.
“It would make absolutely zero sense to trade Jermaine Johnson. Zero,” one fan responded.
Not every fan was against the potential move. One social media user responded, “Jets eventual record with Jermaine Johnson 0-17. Jets eventual record if they trade Jermaine Johnson 0-17.”
“You’re 0-6. Nobody is safe,” another fan bluntly said.
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