The Philadelphia Eagles, under the savvy leadership of general manager Howie Roseman, have built a reputation for mastering the art of the trade, particularly when it comes to stockpiling draft picks. Roseman prefers to be the one receiving picks rather than giving them up, rarely parting with anything higher than a third-round selection. However, when the opportunity arises to land a game-changer, he’s not afraid to make a bold move. Case in point: in 2022, Roseman sent a first-round pick and a third-round pick to the Tennessee Titans to acquire superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown, a deal that paid dividends immediately.
Now, with the Eagles sitting at 5-2 and the November 4, 2025, NFL trade deadline looming, Roseman appears poised to strike again. This time, the focus is on bolstering the defense, specifically at the edge rusher position, where the team has been hit hard by unexpected setbacks. The surprise retirement of Za’Darius Smith and a lingering triceps injury to former first-round pick Nolan Smith, who has been on injured reserve since September 24, 2025, following a re-injury from Super Bowl LIX, have left the Eagles scrambling. While coaxing franchise legend Brandon Graham out of retirement for a partial season has provided a temporary boost, the team clearly needs a long-term solution to fortify their defensive front.
Enter New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson, a player who could be the perfect fit for Philadelphia’s needs. With the Jets languishing at 0-7 and firmly in seller mode, ESPN’s Matt Bowen and Jeremy Fowler have pegged Johnson as a prime trade candidate. Selected by the Jets in the first round (No. 26 overall) of the 2022 NFL draft, Johnson is in the final year of his four-year, $13.1 million rookie contract, with a fifth-year option valued at $13.4 million for 2026. While the Jets aren’t desperate to move him—good edge rushers are hard to come by—they appear more open to trading Johnson than fellow edge rusher Will McDonald IV, who is still in the third year of his rookie deal.
Johnson’s pedigree speaks for itself. In 2021 at Florida State, he dominated with 70 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 12.0 sacks, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and an All-American nod. His athleticism was on full display at the NFL scouting combine, where he ran a blistering 4.58-second 40-yard dash, drawing comparisons to two-time NFL All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby. Though Johnson has recorded just one sack this season while recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in 2024, his 2023 campaign—7.5 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures—showcases his potential as a disruptive force.
For the Eagles, acquiring an elite or near-elite edge rusher like Johnson isn’t just about adding a sack machine. His presence would force opposing offenses to account for him, creating opportunities for Philadelphia’s stellar defensive tackles, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, two of the NFL’s best at their position. This ripple effect could elevate the entire defensive unit, making an already formidable Eagles team even more dangerous as they push for a deep playoff run.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox notes that teams are circling the winless Jets, hoping to pry away starting-caliber talent. At just 26 years old and with a contract extending through 2026, Johnson represents both short-term impact and long-term potential. However, his recent injury history and modest production this season add an element of risk. Is he the next Maxx Crosby, or will his recovery from a major injury hinder his ceiling? This is where Roseman’s gamble comes into play—a $26 million lottery ticket that could either solidify the Eagles’ defense or leave them regretting the cost.
Roseman’s track record suggests he’s playing chess while others play checkers, but this potential trade for Johnson is a high-stakes bet. If Johnson returns to his 2023 form, the Eagles could have a cornerstone edge rusher to pair with their dominant interior linemen, creating a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. But if his recovery stalls or he fails to live up to his draft pedigree, Philadelphia could be left with an expensive question mark and fewer assets to address other needs.
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes are on Roseman. Will he pull the trigger on another blockbuster deal, or will he hold firm with his draft-pick war chest? One thing is certain: when Howie Roseman rolls the dice, the NFL takes notice. Whether this move proves to be genius or insanity, it’s a storyline Eagles fans—and the entire league—will be watching closely.