The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away (November 4), and rumors are swirling furiously around the 0-7 New York Jets.
One of the most popular names included in those rumors is that of Jermaine Johnson, New York’s fourth-year edge rusher.
Johnson took to social media to make a statement about those rumors. On Wednesday afternoon, he shared what may be the most commonly utilized GIF by athletes looking to send a message about their future: Leonard DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street” assuring that he isn’t freaking leaving.
Making his return from an Achilles injury suffered in September 2024, Johnson is proving his worth as a cornerstone for the Jets’ defense. In four games this season, Johnson has recorded 15 total tackles, 12 total pressures, a pass deflection, and a sack. New York’s defense has performed significantly better with him on the field.
Johnson missed three games with an ankle injury from Weeks 2-5. Since Johnson’s return in Week 6, the Jets’ defense has had its two best games of the season, allowing just one touchdown each to the Broncos and Panthers. Prior to these games, New York’s defense was among the worst in the NFL through Week 5.
Johnson has one year remaining on his contract, as the Jets picked up his fifth-year option for the 2026 season. However, they did not negotiate a long-term contract extension with him during the 2025 offseason, unlike his fellow 2022 draft picks, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, who signed long-term extensions with the team.
If Johnson stays healthy and continues making the same type of impact, the Jets will not hesitate to extend him in the offseason.
