Eagles are linked to an once-promising first-round edge rusher
Once upon a time, Jermaine Johnson was considered as one of many premier edge defenders within the 2022 NFL Draft class. He was chosen by the New York Jets twenty sixth total. The Philadelphia Eagles had taken Jordan Davis in Round 1, solely 13 alternatives earlier.
Today, Johnson’s identify comes up extra usually in conversations about accidents and unrealized potential than about dominance. His sophomore season, nevertheless, confirmed what sort of recreation wrecker he could be. He tallied 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven go breakups, an interception, a compelled fumble, and a restoration in 2023.
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Consistency and well being have been elusive since. History has taught us that typically a change of surroundings issues. Philadelphia is aware of that higher than most after watching Mekhi Becton revive his worth, at the least briefly, by leaving Florham Park.
Fair or not, the Jets have developed a popularity as a spot the place promising careers stall. Johnson might merely want the precise atmosphere to rediscover his trajectory.
Does Jermaine Johnson make sense for the Eagles?
Here’s one thing of be aware. Recently, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox experimented with a singular concept, an offseason trade block big board.
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Johnson landed fourth. The Eagles and Tennessee Titans have been listed as logical touchdown spots. The reasoning is not troublesome to comply with. Philadelphia may quickly face turnover alongside the edge.
Adding a 26-year-old former first-round expertise with upside suits Howie Roseman’s historical past of shopping for low on premium traits. Here at Eagles Wire, we talked about Johnson in our listing of potential trade targets that could be available to the Eagles in a buyer’s market.
Our editor-in-chief, Glenn Erby, provided just a few concepts to assist the idea, and you may need to know what he stated.
“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 make investments one other excessive draft choose within the place beneath new management, that would give Roseman the entire ammunition he wants to strike. The Eagles’ present edge rushers on the roster are Brandon Graham, Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Josh Uche, and Jose Ramirez. It’s essential to be aware that Hunt, Smith, and Ramirez are the one gamers amongst that bunch who will not turn into free brokers on March 11.
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And that is the actual enchantment right here. This would not be about what Johnson was supposed to turn into in 2022. It could be about what he may nonetheless turn into in the precise system, with the precise teaching, on a roster constructed to contend now.
Sometimes, first-round expertise simply wants a second probability. Philadelphia has made a behavior of being the place the place these probabilities repay. Time will inform in the event that they buy groceries within the Jets’ cabinet to discover roster options once more.
This article initially appeared on Eagles Wire: Jets Jermaine Johnson could be an offseason trade target for Eagles
