An old friend could be key to Jets getting their price for Jermaine Johnson

The New York Jets don't want to trade Jermaine Johnson, but they're willing to listen if a team will meet their lofty price. That price, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, is a second-round pick.

For most, that would seem to be a non-starter. Johnson's versatile skillset makes him a valuable piece on the edge, and he doesn't hit free agency until after the 2026 season, but in the last year of his rookie deal, he's about to get much more expensive once his fifth-year option kicks in.

On top of that, for all his value, Johnson isn't a star. He's also not incredibly durable. The Jets setting their price means that unless someone out there truly loves Johnson, he's staying put.

The Athletic's Diana Russini (subscription required) just dropped a report that might nudge a deal closer towards the realm of reality.

One team that might be willing to pay up for Jermaine Johnson

According to Russini, the Philadelphia Eagles have called the Jets to inquire about Johnson. The two teams just finished doing business on a much more minor trade that sent Michael Carter II to Philly in exchange for John Metchie III.

A Jets connection is the reason why the Eagles might be the ones to pony up. Former Jets general manager Joe Douglas is back with his old club, now as Philadelphia's senior personnel director. Douglas is very close with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, and likely had a hand in acquiring Carter II, another one of his former Jets draftees.

The defending Super Bowl Champions have gotten decent production on the edge out of the likes of Nolan Smith, Joshua Uche, and Azeez Ojulari, but there's a problem. Those three all weigh in at 240 pounds or less. The Eagles don't have a significant power threat who is equally adept at rushing the passer and setting the edge in the run game.

That's where Johnson comes in. If they truly want to repeat, making an upgrade on this front could be huge. Being that they're staring at the possibility of having a very late second, they might be more willing to part with it for Johnson's services than a team that's likely to pick higher in the draft.

Then there's the Douglas factor. You'd have to imagine the former general manager is pounding the table to get one of his best draft picks to Philly.

The Jets, of course, should be dangling a different edge rusher entirely and holding Johnson, but they seem content to keep Will McDonald IV in the fold despite his putrid run defense. At the end of the day, if they want to maximize the draft capital they can extract at the deadline, the Eagles and their pursuit of Johnson might be their best shot.

McDonald IV would be more of the same for Philly, and the rest of the Jets trade pieces won't bring back nearly as much. To that end, keep an eye on the Eagles. If they blink first, Johsnon is a good as gone.