NY Jets news: Jermaine Johnson trade, one less Odell Beckham suitor

The NY Jets remain engaged in intense trade discussions with the Green Bay Packers regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers. One player that was recently connected to those trade rumors is former first-round pick Jermaine Johnson.

ESPN's Rich Cimini speculated on Sunday that Johnson could be included in the deal as a way for the Jets to avoid sending Green Bay a first-round pick. The Packers continue to push the Jets to include a first-round pick, but general manager Joe Douglas is doing everything he can to avoid doing so.

Including Johnson would certainly be one way to accomplish their goal, but it's hard to believe the Jets would be willing to part ways with one of their most promising young defensive players after just one season.

Both the Jets and Packers are trying to maximize whatever "leverage" they have in this situation. Either way, it would be surprising to see the Jets include a player like Johnson in the deal.

Other NY Jets news

Jets have one less competitor for Odell Beckham Jr.

The Jets remain in the mix for free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and one of his top potential suitors, the Dallas Cowboys, is likely out of the running.

The Cowboys traded for now-former Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks on Sunday, sending a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-rounder to their in-state adversaries. The addition of Cooks likely means they will no longer be pursuing Beckham.

The Jets are considered one of the favorites to land Beckham this offseason. From the Aaron Rodgers connection to Sauce Gardner's obvious recruitment, there's plenty of smoke around Beckham and the Jets.

There are likely bigger needs for the Jets to address, especially after signing Allen Lazard, but if the price is right, a Beckham return to New York could be a lot of fun.

Safety options dwindling after C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing

The Jets' options to upgrade at the safety position took a significant hit on Sunday as the Detroit Lions signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year contract worth up to $8 million.

The deal was widely seen as a steal and a representation of what has been a surprisingly affordable safety market. Many believe the Jets should have been all over a deal like this.

Regardless, with Gardner-Johnson now unavailable, the remaining options for the Jets to upgrade at safety are limited. Kevin Byard, if he becomes available, should be the team's top target.

Even after trading for Chuck Clark, the Jets can use a true free safety to replace Lamarcus Joyner. They don't have anyone on their roster to fill that role, and the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft is considered to be a very weak safety class.

The Jets are running out of options.