The New York Jets' edge unit felt like it missed a few opportunities last season, especially when you consider they had two first-round picks rushing the quarterback. Despite this talent, they ended up with the second-fewest sacks in the NFL.
Will McDonald IV led the team with eight sacks, but half of those came in a single game against the Cleveland Browns. Jermaine Johnson II, on the other hand, had a quieter season with three sacks, though it's worth noting he was still recovering from a torn Achilles.
As the Jets gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 2 overall pick, they face a crucial decision: should they trade one of their current edge rushers to gain more draft capital and strengthen other areas of the roster?
A trade idea floating around suggests sending Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans, where he would reunite with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh. In this proposed deal, the Jets would receive the 66th pick in the upcoming draft, a valuable third-round selection, along with a future fifth-round pick. This move would give the Titans a player with significant potential, especially if he can return to full health, and help Saleh establish his culture in Tennessee.
The Jets, meanwhile, are still carving out their identity under new head coach Aaron Glenn. If they decide that extending Johnson isn't the right move, trading him for these picks might be a strategic play. The Jets are already loaded with draft capital in the first two rounds but lack a third-round pick due to a previous trade for Haason Reddick.
While there were whispers that Johnson could have fetched a second-round pick at the trade deadline, this deal still offers solid value for a player coming off a challenging season. Moving Johnson could also pave the way for a new first-round edge rusher, like Arvell Reese or David Bailey, to step in. The Jets could then use their newfound third-round pick to address another position of need or package it to move up in the draft for a coveted player.