NY Jets' Jermaine Johnson provides very encouraging update on Achilles injury

The NY Jets' defensive line was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2024 season. What was once arguably the roster's most notable position of strength became a significant weakness after a series of misguided offseason moves.

But the downfall of the unit can at least somewhat be traced back to a torn Achilles suffered by standout edge rusher Jermaine Johnson in the Jets' second game of the season.

The injury sidelined Johnson for the remainder of his third NFL season and further depleted a Jets pass-rush corps that was already without Haason Reddick, whose holdout would extend deep into the year.

The good news is that Johnson's recovery is going well, and he's not only on track for a Week 1 return but is expected back even sooner.

Jermaine Johnson injury update

Johnson spoke with Brian Costello of the New York Post at Radio Row this week and indicated that he expects to be ready to return by the start of OTAs in May. That's the best-case scenario given the nature of the injury he sustained.

The 2025 season will be a critical one for Johnson, who is already entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Jets have a decision to make on his fifth-year option this offseason, and after his injury, there's no guarantee the team decides to exercise it.

That option is projected to be worth around $14.737 million, per Over The Cap. The deadline for teams to decide on fifth-year options this offseason is May 1st.

Johnson will look to pick up where he left off following his breakout 2023 season that saw him finish with 7.5 sacks en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance, albeit as an alternate. The Jets' defense could really use a healthy Johnson in 2025.

There are valid concerns about the state of the defensive line entering the offseason. Quinnen Williams remains an All-Pro talent and is fresh off his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, but the rest of the defensive line room has question marks.

Will McDonald broke out as a pass rusher this past season but remains a massive liability in run defense. It's unclear how Johnson will perform in his first year back from his Achilles tear. The Jets also lack any defensive tackle depth alongside Williams.

Having a healthy Jermaine Johnson back in the fold will be critical for the success of the Jets' defensive line in 2025. It's nice to hear that his recovery has gone well and that he'll have plenty of time to get back into shape before the start of the regular season.

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