The New York Jets should be motivated to sell off assets at the trade deadline after a 1-7 first half of the 2025 campaign.
New York isn't going anywhere this year, which was expected, and now the team must look to add draft capital to assist in what figures to be a lengthy rebuild.
One name floated as a potential trade candidate is edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, who was recently named in a trade rumor from The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
Russini reports that the Jets are looking for a second-round pick in exchange for the former first-round pick, and the Philadelphia Eagles are one of the teams showing interest in Johnson.
"The Eagles need an edge rusher and asked the Jets about Jermaine Johnson. It makes sense, considering former Jets GM Joe Douglas drafted him in New York and is now Philly’s senior personnel director," Russini explained. "However, New York has held a high asking price of a second-round pick or better."
The Eagles' need along the edge is clear. Philly is tied for the 11th-fewest sacks in the league and lost Za'Darius Smith to retirement. Brandon Graham's comeback is big for Philly's defense, but more help is needed.
Johnson was ascending to the status of one of the league's better young pass-rushers after a 2023 campaign that saw him tally 7.5 sacks. However, he was then derailed last season by a torn Achilles.
Johnson is back and healthy this season but has just one sack in five games. That said, it is likely better days are ahead for Johnson the further removed he is from his significant injury.
Johnson's age (26) and contract are two attractive things about him. He still has one more year left on his rookie deal, and he could be a long-term fix if he plays good enough to garner a contract extension down the line.
A second-round pick is still a very high asking price given what we know of the Jets edge rusher, but their demands will come down the closer we get to the deadline.
If the price is right, we could totally see Eagles general manager Howie Roseman spring for a trade that could pay massive dividends the rest of this season and beyond.
NFL Trade Rumors