The New York Jets lost in one of the worst offensive performances of the year, netting -10 passing yards. Justin Fields and the offense haven't played great, but the defense showed up to stop the Denver Broncos.
The Jets lost 13-11, and their defense was a huge reason the team was in the game late. One of the main contributors on that side of the ball is edge defender Jermaine Johnson. The former first-rounder has been great for New York, but now he's subject to trade rumors.
Shortly after the Johnson trade rumors hit social media, the Jets' star pass rusher shared a simple, one-emoji reaction to his name being floated in trade speculation.
Jermaine Johnson reacts to trade rumors after Jets' 0-6 start
Johnson posted on Twitter/X, shortly after the trade rumor report came out, "🤨," likely alluding to the trade rumors. While it's impossible to fully understand his feelings, this emoji does indicate that Johnson is questioning the trade rumors. But whether it's about their validity or not is unknown.
🤨
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) October 13, 2025
But, where did those rumors originate? Connor Hughes of SNY.tv shared a report that Johnson is a name that's come up in trade talks as the deadline nears. While it'd cost a team a lot to land Johnson, he's a player to monitor as the Jets are 0-6.
Johnson is a 26-year-old edge rusher who has made his mark through the first four years of his NFL career. While his 2024 season was cut down early due to injury, he's been a great defender when healthy.
DE Jermaine Johnson is a name that has come up for several teams in need of edge help in trade discussions, sources told SNY.
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 13, 2025
It would take “a lot” for the Jets to part with Johnson, a team involved in those conversations said pic.twitter.com/5vfXdB26hv
In 2023, Johnson was a Pro-Bowler with 7.5 sacks, one interception, seven passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery to go with 55 tackles and 16 quarterback hits.
Through three games this season, Johnson has one sack and 12 tackles with one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. The Jets linebacker is a strong asset, especially with him being under team control through the 2026 NFL season.
Any team trying to acquire him would have to part with significant assets, and while some teams are desperate, like the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles, the package for Johnson might be too much to pay.
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But, regardless of whether the trade rumors come to fruition or not, Johnson's reaction to those rumors shares how the Jets' Pro Bowl defender is questioning such speculation.
New York doesn't have to trade Johnson this year, and could, if they decide to, move on from Johnson in the offseason when his trade market is more appealing and vibrant.
For now, the Jets and Johnson have to look ahead to their Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who are coming off two impressive wins over the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins.
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