Eagles linked to former first-round edge Jermaine Johnson
A renewed trade interest in jermaine johnson has emerged as the Philadelphia Eagles evaluate edge help this offseason. A recent offseason trade-block big board placed him fourth and identified Philadelphia as a logical landing spot, putting a spotlight on a player whose early upside has been interrupted by injuries and inconsistency.
Jermaine Johnson linked to Eagles
Once viewed as one of the premier edge prospects in the 2022 class, Jermaine Johnson was selected 26th overall by the New York Jets. The Eagles had taken Jordan Davis in Round 1 only 13 selections earlier. Johnson's 2023 season showed the disruptive ability teams covet: 55 tackles, 7. 5 sacks, seven pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and a recovery.
From 2022 promise to recent struggles
Health and consistency have been recurring issues since Johnson entered the league. In 2025 he returned from an Achilles tear but did not recapture his earlier form, posting a 59. 5 combined run-defense and pass-rush grade across 678 total snaps. He also has not logged 750 snaps in a full season since being drafted, a detail that factors into trade and roster evaluations.
Why he could be available
One scenario that could make Johnson movable is the Jets investing an early pick at edge under new leadership. If the club uses a top selection on another edge defender, Johnson—who is a 2027 free agent—could become expendable as the team seeks immediate production. The recent big-board placement that listed him fourth suggested both Philadelphia and Tennessee as plausible landing spots for a player with first-round pedigree and remaining upside.
How he fits Philly's needs
The Eagles enter the offseason with questions along the edge. Current rostered edge players include Brandon Graham, Jaelan Phillips, Jalyx Hunt, Nolan Smith, Josh Uche and Jose Ramirez. Among that group, Hunt, Smith and Ramirez are the only players who will not become free agents on March 11. Adding a 26-year-old former first-round talent with upside aligns with the team’s pattern of acquiring buy-low defensive linemen, and it would address depth concerns should any current edge pieces depart in free agency.
Key takeaways
- Johnson was the 26th pick of the 2022 draft and produced notable counting stats in 2023, including 7. 5 sacks.
- A recent offseason trade-board placed him fourth and identified the Eagles as a logical landing spot.
- Jets draft decisions and Johnson’s contract status as a 2027 free agent could make him available this offseason.
At present, the club's interest and any potential transaction remain in flux. The name jermaine johnson has reappeared in trade chatter because he combines age, draft pedigree and flashes of production—all traits teams weighing a short-term push often target. Observables to watch in the coming weeks include any front-office moves by the Jets at edge and how Philadelphia prioritizes pass-rush depth as free agency and the draft approach unfold.
