Jermaine Johnson is trying to prove the NY Jets don't need Haason Reddick

The NY Jets remain embroiled in a contract dispute with star edge rusher Haason Reddick, but while the team tries to clean up that mess, Jermaine Johnson is doing everything he can to prove why the team doesn't actually need Reddick.

Johnson was the star of Tuesday's practice, kicking the day off by blowing up an attempted end-around to Xavier Gipson. He started the next series off with a sack of Aaron Rodgers in 11-on-11 drills.

A few plays later, Johnson nearly registered another sack of Rodgers (and it likely would have been in a real game) before the four-time MVP escaped the pocket and found Gipson on the run.

Johnson put together likely his best practice of the summer one day after Reddick's trade request became official. The third-year edge rusher certainly made a statement on Tuesday.

Jermaine Johnson was the star of Tuesday's NY Jets practice

The Jets believe that Johnson still has the ability to elevate his game, even after his Pro Bowl appearance in 2023. Jets head coach Robert Saleh told Johnson earlier this week that the "sky was the limit" for the former Florida State standout.

Johnson broke out in his second NFL season, recording 7.5 sacks in his first year as a full-time starter. The Jets are hoping to see Johnson take another step forward in 2024.

Of course, the hope is that the Jets will be able to pair Johnson with Reddick to form one of the best edge-rush duos in the NFL. Even if Johnson takes that next step toward superstardom, it would be nice to have an All-Pro pass rusher to pair him with.

Johnson was asked about the Reddick situation when speaking to reporters after practice on Tuesday, although he admitted that was obviously above his pay grade.

Johnson also insisted that his goal for the 2024 season was to win a Super Bowl. If Johnson and the Jets are going to accomplish that goal, they might need Reddick in the building sooner rather than later.

For now, the Jets have to be pleased with the progress they've seen from their former first-round pick this summer. Here's to hoping he'll be joined by Reddick in the near future.

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