2022 NFL Draft: Contract details released for Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets
The New York Jets made some aggressive moves to acquire former Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson at No. 26 overall on Thursday night. The former Seminole and Georgia Bulldog is signing a four-year, $13 million rookie deal – fully guaranteed. Johnson also gets a $6.6 million signing bonus and the contract includes a fifth-year option to keep him in New York through 2026. Johnson will incur a $2.3 million cap hit in 2022.
Despite, pre-draft buzz about a potential top-10 slot, Johnson waited until the bottom of the first round until hearing his name. The Jets called every team that held picks 15-26 until they found that the Titans were willing to do a deal, general manager Joe Douglas told team reporters. The Jets sent their 35th, 69th and 163rd picks to the Titans and got No. 26 and No. 101.
“It feels amazing, man. The journey was so long and hard, but it was so rewarding at the same time,” Johnson said after the draft. “And to be able to be selected in the first round, and by the Jets, I’m so excited. When I visited with the Jets, it was a family feel. We clicked instantly. They said they’d come and get me and that’s what they did.”
Johnson played a significant role on the defense for the Seminoles last season, recording 70 total tackles, 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. He transferred to Florida State after spending the 2019 and 2020 seasons at Georgia, where he tallied 34 tackles, 6.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Todd McShay praises Jets for Johnson selection
ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay called the Jets’ selection of Jermaine Johnson the best move of the night after round one.
By adding Johnson at No. 26, the Jets added three of McShay’s highest-rated prospects. They also selected Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner with the No. 4 pick and Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson with the No. 10 pick.
“Jermaine Johnson II, DE to the New York Jets,” McShay said. “I’m amazed that the Jets managed to land three prospects whom I had 92-plus grades on. I thought Johnson might be a top-10 pick, so I absolutely love New York trading back into the first round to get him at No. 26. Johnson has a great first step, a strong motor and an arsenal of pass-rush moves. He’ll immediately help the Jets’ edge rush.”
On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report.