The New York Jets need to find a replacement for Jermaine Johnson after he was carted off the field with what is suspected to be a ruptured Achilles during their September 15 game against the Tennessee Titans. If further medical tests confirm the injury, Johnson will be out for the remainder of the 2024 season.
One possible replacement for Johnson is veteran free agent Yannick Ngakoue. While the market for impactful pass rushers is limited, Ngakoue, 29, stands out as a solid option. The former Maryland player has been a journeyman, playing for six teams in his eight-year NFL career, but has consistently been productive. Since entering the league in 2016, Ngakoue has appeared in 123 games, starting 115, and has recorded 69 sacks, 21 forced fumbles, 142 quarterback hits, and 224 tackles.
Ngakoue’s contracts in recent years have been substantial, with his 2023 deal worth $10.5 million, and prior contracts with the Raiders and Jaguars netting him $26 million over two years and $12 million for a single season, respectively. Whether the Jets can afford him remains to be seen, but he is widely considered the best available EDGE rusher on the market, according to Raymond Summerlin of Sharp Football Analytics.
The Jets rely heavily on their defensive line to perform at a high level, rotating players frequently and depending on a deep roster to generate consistent pressure. Losing key players like John Franklin-Myers, Bryce Huff, and Quinton Jefferson, who collectively accounted for 19.5 sacks in 2023, along with Johnson’s absence, leaves the Jets in a challenging position as they pursue playoff and Super Bowl aspirations.
While trading for an elite pass rusher could be difficult at this stage of the season, Ngakoue could provide a cost-effective solution. If the Jets want to avoid sacrificing trade assets, signing Ngakoue might be their best option to keep their defense competitive.
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