NY Jets send loud message on Jermaine Johnson's future with contract decision

The New York Jets’ 2022 draft class has served as the bedrock of the franchise’s roster, producing a trio of first-round picks that immediately helped provide a foundation to build upon.

Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson have blossomed into cornerstones on their respective sides of the ball, each already establishing themselves among the NFL’s best at their positions. But while Jermaine Johnson has succeeded in his own right, he hasn't quite reached the same heights.

Johnson earned his first career Pro Bowl appearance (as an alternate) in 2023 and seemed poised for an even more impressive campaign the following year. Instead, a torn Achilles suffered in Week 2 of the 2024 season cast genuine doubt on his long-term future.

Unlike Gardner and Wilson, who are no-brainers as long-term building blocks, Johnson’s future in New York felt a bit more uncertain. That’s what made the Jets’ announcement on Monday so significant.

NY Jets shown strong sign of commitment to Jermaine Johnson

General manager Darren Mougey told reporters that the team intends to pick up the fifth-year options for all three of their 2022 first-rounders, including Johnson. It’s a strong vote of confidence in the young pass rusher’s potential and a sign that, despite the injury, the Jets still view him as a vital part of their future.

The 26th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Johnson developed into one of the better players on the Jets roster in his second season following a quiet rookie campaign. He finished the 2023 season with 7.5 sacks and 16 QB hits, earning a Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement.

There was optimism that Johnson could continue that upward trajectory entering his third NFL campaign, but a torn Achilles suffered in Week 2 derailed those plans.

Achilles injuries can be especially difficult for pass rushers to bounce back from, given how much explosiveness and lower-body power their position demands. It often takes a full year, sometimes longer, for edge rushers to fully regain their burst and flexibility.

Sometimes, as was the case with former Jets pass rusher Carl Lawson, players never fully return to their pre-injury form. The Jets are betting that Jermaine Johnson will be the exception.

Johnson has provided regular updates on his injury rehab on social media and is on track to be ready for the start of the 2025 season. That's good news for a Jets pass-rush corps that doesn't have much outside of him and Will McDonald.

The Jets’ decision to pick up Johnson’s fifth-year option is a clear vote of confidence in his future. Now it’s up to Johnson to reward that faith and reestablish himself as a core piece of the Jets’ long-term plans.

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