Jets get $73 million contract projection for Pro Bowl pass rusher ahead of free agency

Matt Sullivan

Jets get $73 million contract projection for Pro Bowl pass rusher ahead of free agency image

The New York Jets are entering a big offseason. While 2025 didn't go to plan for Aaron Glenn and the Jets, especially on defense, there are some important decisions to make this offseason.

Breece Hall is one big name to keep an eye on in free agency. But another player, pass rusher Jermaine Johnson, is also worth paying extra close attention to. But what would a new deal for Johnson cost?

According to Spotrac.com, the Pro Bowl pass rusher, who is 27 years old, is projected to land a huge $73 million extension over four years. It's a big deal, one that the Jets will have a difficult decision to make with.

Jets' Jermaine Johnson projected to get $73M contract

Spotrac's Market Value has the Jets pass rusher projected to land a $73,258,728 contract over four years, which comes out to roughly $18.3 million per season.

That's an expensive deal for Johnson, and one that the Jets might not wind up paying. But, regardless of what they do, they won't have to make a decision for a while longer.

Johnson's 5th-year-option was picked up by the Jets, meaning the pass rusher will be around for at least one more season in New York.

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They could try to extend him this offseason, with the $73 million projected deal as a benchmark. But if they don't sign him long-term, he could be traded at the 2026 NFL trade deadline.

Johnson is coming off a down year, recording just three sacks and 43 tackles in 14 games played. Since he played in just two games a year ago, there's some real uncertainty about what kind of deal he will get going forward.

27 years old isn't young, and combined with the injury, the Jets might not be willing to pay the $73 million that Spotrac projects Johnson is worth.

He's a trade candidate this offseason or in the middle of 2026. But, if the Jets do want to try and extend him, this $18.3 million per-year projection is a good place to start.

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Contributing Writer