Jermaine Johnson has always been the afterthought of the New York Jets‘ historic 2022 first-round draft class.
He doesn’t have an All-Pro to his name like cornerback Sauce Gardner, and he wasn’t a rookie of the year like wide receiver Garrett Wilson, but Johnson’s play has steadily improved over the first couple of seasons with the Jets.
Things took a turn for the worse in 2024, though. Two weeks into the season, Johnson suffered a torn Achilles injury that cost him the rest of the year. With a new regime entering the building in Florham Park, concern had grown about whether Johnson was in the team’s plans moving forward.
New York made the first move Wednesday afternoon to show how they view the Florida State product this offseason.
Johnson Gets Fifth-Year Exercised
Johnson announced on X/Twitter Wednesday that the Jets would be exercising his fifth-year option – guaranteeing at least two more seasons in New York for the 26-year-old.
“Officially here for Year 5!!” Johnson said in a tweet. “Just want to take a little time to thank the Jets organization, Darren Mougey, Aaron Glenn and Woody Johnson for their belief in me and who I am on and off the field. Though I know it sounds corny, but it couldn’t be more true, I’ve barely scratched the surface. As always, yall will get everything I got. Go Jets.”
Johnson has recorded 10 sacks in three seasons with the Jets. After a slow 2.5-sack season in his rookie campaign, the former 26th overall pick bounced back with a jump to 7.5 sacks in his sophomore season.
He was expected to take a futher jump as New York’s top edge rusher in 2024 before his untimely Achilles injury.
As part of exercising the option, the Jets will pay Johnson over $13.9 million during the 2026 season. All of that goes against the cap until the team and player are able to come to a long-term agreement.
The same can be said for the two other 2022 first-round picks for New York as offseason workouts continue.
Jets’ Additional 5th-Year Options
While no announcement has been officially made regarding Gardner and Wilson, both stars are also expected to get their fifth-year options accepted by the Jets.
As things stand right now, it’s more likely Gardner and Wilson will get long-term deals done this offseason than Johnson.
The reason? As Johnson recovers from his Achilles injury, he’ll need to show that there won’t be any drop-off in his game as one of the team’s best all-around edge defenders. New York knows what they have in both Gardner and Wilson.
With an official announcement still to come, Jets fans should be thrilled with the fact that they are expected to retain their top three picks from what remains an elite 2022 draft class.
