Jets fans will love Jermaine Johnson's definitive response to trade rumors

The New York Jets have been fielding calls from various NFL teams inquiring about the availability of a handful of players on their roster over the last few weeks. One notable player whose name has come up in trade rumors is defensive end Jermaine Johnson.

Johnson is said to be generating interest around the league, and rumors suggest the Jets are open to making him available in trade talks, much to the chagrin of many Jets fans who view him as one of the team's few untouchable players.

That's why the majority of fans were likely thrilled with Johnson's apparent response to trade rumors on Wednesday. The former Pro Bowler took to X (formerly Twitter) to post the famous "I'm not leaving" GIF from the movie The Wolf of Wall Street.

Johnson made it clear he has no intention of leaving Florham Park anytime soon. Whether that decision is ultimately his to make remains to be seen, but it’s evident he doesn’t want the Jets to trade him.

Jermaine Johnson makes it clear he doesn't want the Jets to trade him

Johnson has emerged as one of the most important and indispensable parts of the Jets' defense. The 2023 Pro Bowler missed three games with an ankle injury this season, forcing the team to rely heavily on the likes of Micheal Clemons, Braiden McGregor, and rookie Tyler Baron.

The results were disastrous. But when Johnson returned in Week 6, the entire complexion of the defense shifted. The Jets have allowed just 13 points in each of their last two games after ranking among the league’s worst defenses prior to his return.

Johnson has tallied 12 pressures in just four games and has a rock-solid 70.8 Pro Football Focus run defense grade, which is nearly 15.0 full points higher than any other edge defender on the roster.

In fact, Johnson's seven run stops also pace all Jets edge rushers, while his 12 pressures are just three fewer than Will McDonald's 15. Again, he's only played four games this season.

The numbers don’t even capture the emotional impact he’s had on the organization. Johnson has emerged as one of the few vocal leaders on a Jets defense that’s been sorely lacking them, both on and off the field.

The Jets should feel no pressure to trade him, either. Johnson is still under contract in 2026 as the team picked up his fifth-year option in the offseason. He should be a prime extension candidate, but there's no rush to get a deal done at this time.

Johnson has made his intentions clear, and Jets fans seem to agree with him. Only time will tell if the organization feels the same way about their standout edge rusher.