The Philadelphia Eagles were handed some surprising news on Monday when edge rusher Za'Darius Smith retired just six weeks into the 2025 NFL season. That is less than ideal since the Eagles' depth at edge was already thin, which could lead to general manager Howie Roseman making a move along the defensive front as the trade deadline is Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
There will be some movement happening around the league, and one player that teams are calling about is New York Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson. That's a risky choice that Philadelphia may want to consider with how productive he could be.
Jets DE Jermaine Johnson Could Be Risky Trade Target for Eagles
Johnson was at the University of Georgia with several Eagles players like Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis, to name a few. Eagles writer Anthony DiBona of ThePhillySpecialShow.com pointed out that Johnson and Smith both enrolled at Georgia at the same time.
Despite the personal connections, the trade for Johnson wouldn't come cheap. Connor Hughes of SNY reported that it would take "a lot" for Johnson to be moved, per a team involved in trade conversations.
The Jets are 0-6 and will definitely be sellers at the deadline. For them to move on from one of their better players would likely cost a third-round pick or higher. There are some questions regarding Johnson's health, as he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 2 of the 2024 season and missed three games in 2025 due to a calf injury.
Johnson also has one more year left on his rookie deal after the Jets exercised his fifth-year option this offseason. Those are two things that could add to the uncertainty that surrounds him; however, when he steps on the field, he's a productive player.
Johnson does a great job setting the edge and defending the run. The Florida State product can also generate pressure as a pass rusher and get after the quarterback. In 36 career games (22 starts), he has compiled 100 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and 11 sacks.
According to Pro Football Focus, he has a 70.9 overall grade (48th among 170 graded edge rushers) and 69.9 pass-rush grade (42nd among 170 graded edge rushers) this season.
Johnson would immediately become one of the best edge rushers on the Eagles team if they wanted to give up draft capital to acquire him. It would be a risky move with his injury history and new contract looming, but he would be a great addition to a defensive line that needs more juice.