Jermaine Johnson seems just as surprised by trade rumors as Jets fans

The New York Jets were desperately awaiting the return of Jermaine Johnson to the lineup. In his absence, the complete and total lack of depth the Jets have on the edge was truly exposed as the defense provided the resistance of a wet paper bag week in and week out.

A lot of things went into the defense's turnaround, but having Johnson back on the edge opposite Will McDonald made a big difference. The fourth-year man was credited with two stops per PFF in addition to a sack.

It was the type of performance that has Jets fans believing in their defense again, and even with Johnson back, the edge room is still much thinner than it was a couple of years ago at its peak. According to SNY's Connor Hughes, the unit could once again lose Johnson and get back to being a whole lot worse, permanently.

Connor Hughes floats Jermaine Johnson trade rumors, surprising Jets fans and Johnson himself

Hughes' report seems to suggest that edge-needy teams have been calling the Jets about Johnson rather than the Jets actively shopping the Florida State product. Even so, it seems that they've at least not immediately hung up the phone with Hughes, stating that it would take "a lot" for the Jets to part with the 2023 Pro Bowler.

Johnson seemed to be in disbelief, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to post his reaction in emoji form as is customary for athletes these days.

In addition to the woeful state a hypothetical Johnson trade would create for the Jets' pass rush, the team doesn't need to trade him now. While he hasn't been bestowed an extension like his draft classmates, Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, the Jets did pick up his fifth-year option.

Trading him now would shoot edge rusher, already a priority, to the top of New York's draft needs, where wide receiver and quarterback already reside. With so many gaping holes, it might not make sense to open yet another one going into a very important draft.

Keeping Johnson would therefore allow the Jets to play the draft board more, rather than make a desperation play. Furthermore, it would put him another year removed from his 2024 Achilles injury, and a solid campaign the rest of the way might increase his value further.

On the other hand, if some team were to bowl the Jets over with an offer they can't refuse, it might give them the ammo necessary to have a transformative draft in 2026.

Balancing some semblance of competence versus accumulating future assets is a difficult task, and no matter which path the Jets ultimately take, they'll be gambling that Johnson's value will be at its highest point when and if they make a move.