Jermaine Johnson trade rumors: NFL insider reveals Jets rejected offers for star DE because "they wanted more"

The New York Jets made multiple moves on deadline day, parting ways with Sauce Gardener and Quinnen Williams. However, the franchise refused a second-round pick offer for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Despite reportedly setting a second-round pick as their baseline asking price, the franchise chose not to trade the 2023 Pro Bowler.

NFL insider Connor Hughes shared the details about the failed move in Tuesday's episode of SNY's "Jets Final Drive."

"I know for a fact from talking to sources who have pursued these players and have had direct conversations with the Jets," Hughes said. "So these are not Jets sources that are telling me this, these are sources who have had conversations with the Jets." (18:16)

"There is an offer on the table for Jermaine Johnson right now for a second-round pick. That is what a competing team for Jermaine Johnson has been told... There was an offer out there for a second-round pick on Jermaine Johnson. The Jets wanted a little bit more; they were unable to negotiate that with a team, so no trade happened."

Holding firm on a higher price for a player with injury concerns might end up being a miscalculated move for New York. Many franchises tried to acquire Johnson ahead of Tuesday, November 4, the trade deadline. The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers were the most serious bidders. The Eagles were also interested in landing the defensive edge.

Johnson's contract situation made him an attractive option for contending teams. The 26-year-old edge rusher is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract ($13.1 million) with a fifth-year option worth approximately $13.4 million for 2026 that New York had already picked up. Johnson could have served as an affordable short-term acquisition for teams needing defensive help down the stretch.

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Jets' trades on the deadline day

New York executed an unprecedented fire sale on November 4, 2025, trading away their two best defensive players. The 1-7 team dispatched All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for first-round picks in both 2026 and 2027, plus wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.

Quinnen Williams, arguably New York's best overall player and three-time Pro Bowl selection, headed to Dallas alongside defensive tackle Mazi Smith and a 2026 second-round pick. In return, Darren Mougey's team received a 2027 first-round pick.

Williams, at 28 years old and in his prime, was under contract through 2027 after signing his four-year, $96 million extension in 2023. He recorded 32 tackles, one sack and three forced fumbles in 2025 before the trade.