Jermaine Johnson
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We explore the Chicago Bears' need for a defensive boost and consider the implications of a Jermaine Johnson - Jets trade.
With their bye week now in the rearview mirror, it’ll be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and the Chicago Bears attempt to produce sacks the.
Heading into Week 6, the Bears are tied for the fewest sacks in the NFL (5), and they also have the second-worst run defense in the league (164.5 yards per game) over the first quarter of the season.
The rotation of Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Dominique Robinson is about to get a boost when Austin Booker returns, but that likely won’t be enough. Put simply, the Bears need a beast on the edge, and neither Sweat nor Odeyingbo has been that guy.
That’s why we think Chicago should kick the tires on Jermaine Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 254-pound edge sitting over on an 0-5 New York Jets team.
A Glance at Johnson’s NFL Career So Far
Jermaine Johnson, Jets
GettyThe Chicago Bears should at least inquire about a trade for New York Jets edge Jermaine Johnson.
A first-round pick for the Jets in 2022, Johnson became a full-time starter in 2023, starting all 17 games. He finished with 7.5 sacks with 56 total pressures, a pick-six and seven pass deflections that year, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
An unfortunate Achilles tear in 2024 cost him most of last season. Now 26, he’s back on the field and has seven tackles and a pass defensed through two starts, though he’s missed a couple of weeks with an ankle issue.
The Jets exercised his fifth-year option, and they may not want to part with him. But considering they also have another recent first-round edge in Will McDonald, they could be willing to at least listen to offers.
Allen’s scheme would be a good fit, too. The Bears aren’t going to try to morph into a blitz-heavy group — Allen wants four down linemen to win so his disguised coverages stay intact. Johnson is built for that, as he’s long enough to set a the edge on early downs, yet patient enough to play assignment football.
Chicago Bears Trade Proposal Would Add Edge Jermaine Johnson
So, what might a trade like this cost the Bears?
The Jets won’t want to give away a first-round edge still just 26, but there’s precedent. Brian Burns netted a 2nd and a 5th when the Panthers shipped him to the Giants, but he was healthy, younger and demanding a monster new deal. Haason Reddick, on an expiring contract and over 30, cost the Jets a conditional 2026 third. A trade for Johnson should land somewhere in between.
We think the following is a sensible offer: Chicago would send a 2026 third that would upgrade to a second if Johnson hits snap and sack benchmarks over the next two seasons, plus a late-round sweetener (say a 2027 sixth).
There’s less than a month before the NFL’s trade deadline on November 4, and the Jets will very likely be sellers. The Bears will surely want to see how Booker looks before making a move like this, but their D-line feels like it’s one more injury away from catastrophe. Trading for Johnson would be one way to add both some depth and a promising youngster to the mix.