Jermaine Johnson: A Potential Trade Target for the Philadelphia Eagles?
Once hailed as a premier edge defender in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jermaine Johnson was selected by the New York Jets with the 26th overall pick. While expectations were high, mirroring the excitement surrounding Jordan Davis, drafted earlier by the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson’s career hasn’t unfolded as anticipated. Conversations surrounding his name now often center on injuries and unrealized potential, rather than dominant performances.
However, his 2023 season offered a glimpse of the game-wrecker he can be. Johnson recorded an impressive 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The challenge has been consistency and maintaining health. The NFL is a league where a change of scenery can be transformative, and the Eagles know this well. They witnessed Mekhi Becton’s value briefly rebound after leaving the Jets, demonstrating the impact of a new environment.
A Reputation and a Potential Opportunity
The Jets, unfortunately, have developed a reputation as a franchise where promising careers can stall. Perhaps Johnson simply needs the right system to unlock his full potential. Interestingly, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently proposed a trade block big board, and Johnson landed at number four. The Eagles and the Tennessee Titans were identified as logical landing spots.
The reasoning is straightforward. Philadelphia may soon face turnover at the edge rusher position. Acquiring a 26-year-old former first-round pick with significant upside aligns perfectly with Howie Roseman’s strategy of identifying and acquiring talent at a reasonable cost. Eagles Wire also included Johnson on a list of potential trade targets, highlighting the possibility of a buyer’s market opportunity.
Analyzing Johnson’s Recent Performance
As noted by our editor-in-chief, Glenn Erby, “In 2025, Johnson returned from an Achilles tear but regressed as a player, posting a 59.5 PFF run-defense and pass-rush grade across 678 total snaps. A former first-round pick, Johnson hasn’t played 750 snaps in a full season since getting selected… If the Jets use the second overall pick on an edge defender like Arvell Reese or David Bailey, Johnson — a 2027 free agent — could become expendable as Aaron Glenn looks for instant production at that position.”
If the Jets invest heavily in another edge rusher, particularly with a high draft pick under new leadership, it could provide Roseman with the leverage needed to finalize a trade.
Eagles’ Current Edge Rusher Situation
Currently, the Eagles’ edge rushers include Brandon Graham, Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Josh Uche, and Jose Ramirez. However, Hunt, Smith, and Ramirez are the only players who are not slated to become free agents on March 11th. This impending free agency situation adds to the appeal of acquiring a player like Johnson.
A Second Chance for a First-Round Talent
This potential trade isn’t about the player Johnson was supposed to be in 2022. It’s about the player he could become in the right system, with effective coaching, and on a roster designed to compete for a championship. Sometimes, all a talented player needs is a second chance. The Philadelphia Eagles have a proven track record of providing those opportunities and seeing them pay off. Only time will tell if they explore a trade with the Jets to bolster their roster.
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