The Philadelphia Eagles soared into Minnesota and clawed their way to a gritty 28-22 victory over a formidable Vikings team, snapping a frustrating two-game skid. With their record now standing at a respectable 5-2, the Eagles’ offense finally showed sparks of life, thanks in large part to wide receiver A.J. Brown, who was heavily involved in the game plan. But while the offense found its rhythm, the defense—particularly the pass rush—remains a glaring weak spot that could derail Philly’s Super Bowl aspirations.
The Eagles’ defense managed only two sacks on Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz, who carved them up for 298 passing yards. The lackluster pass rush has been a persistent issue, and it’s no secret that general manager Howie Roseman is on the hunt for solutions. Enter the New York Jets, a team mired in a winless 0-7 start to the 2025 season and reportedly open to trading key pieces, including their talented edge rusher, Jermaine Johnson II. This could be the golden opportunity the Eagles need to bolster their defensive front.
Jermaine Johnson II, the Jets’ 26-year-old defensive end, seems to be itching for a fresh start. After yet another crushing loss, Johnson took to X, posting a cryptic yet telling message: “Laying it all out there man… something gotta give.” For a player stuck on a spiraling Jets squad, that sounds like a plea to escape the chaos of a franchise staring down the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Eagles, perennial contenders with a knack for bold moves, are perfectly positioned to swoop in. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Philly is actively seeking help at edge rusher and cornerback, and the Jets are already fielding calls for Johnson, along with running back Breece Hall. For a Jets team looking to stockpile draft picks, trading Johnson could be a no-brainer. For the Eagles, it’s a chance to land a proven playmaker at a critical position.
The Eagles’ pass-rush woes are no small matter. The team has been hit hard by losses this offseason: Josh Sweat departed in free agency, franchise icon Brandon Graham retired, and injuries to Nolan Smith Jr. and Ogbo Okoronkwo (both sidelined with triceps issues) have left the defensive line depleted. The sudden retirement of veteran Za’Darius Smith after just a few games only added to the crisis. Right now, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is scraping by with a patchwork rotation of Jalyx Hunt, Joshua Uche, and Azeez Ojulari, while relying on defensive tackle Jalen Carter and rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell to occasionally slide over to the edge.
Enter Jermaine Johnson II, a former first-round pick who flashed serious potential in 2023 with a career-high 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, one interception, and a forced fumble. Though his 2025 campaign has been quieter—logging just one sack in three games—his youth, athleticism, and proven production make him an ideal target for a team like the Eagles, who are desperate for a dynamic edge presence.
Howie Roseman has never been one to shy away from a blockbuster trade, and this feels like a match made in football heaven. The Jets’ willingness to deal could give Roseman a chance to land Johnson at a bargain, especially if New York is prioritizing draft capital for a rebuild. With the Eagles’ Week 9 bye approaching, reinforcements can’t come soon enough, and Johnson’s addition could transform Philly’s defense into a championship-caliber unit.
The Eagles’ hard-fought win in Minnesota was a step in the right direction, but it also exposed their vulnerabilities. If Roseman can pull off a trade for Jermaine Johnson II, that gut-wrenching defensive struggle against the Vikings might just turn out to be the wake-up call that delivers Philly their perfect pass rusher. The clock is ticking, and the Eagles have a Super Bowl window to keep wide open—now’s the time to strike.