The diagnosis for the Dallas Cowboys’ struggling season is clear: a historically bad defense, crippled by a non-existent pass rush following the Micah Parsons trade. The prescription, however, might be found in a familiar place—the New York Jets—where a talented, yet potentially available, edge rusher could be the perfect remedy.
The numbers don’t lie. The Cowboys currently have the second-lowest Defense Impact (DEFi) grade in the entire NFL. The trade of Micah Parsons has left a gaping hole in their ability to pressure the quarterback, turning a once-fearsome unit into a glaring weakness. At 3-4-1, their playoff hopes are still alive, but they are unsustainable without a significant defensive upgrade. Simply put, they desperately need more juice off the edge.
According to reports from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the New York Jets are open to trading former first-round pick Jermaine Johnson II. A Pro Bowler in 2022 after a promising 7.5-sack season, Johnson’s trajectory was interrupted by a torn Achilles in 2024. He has only one sack this season, but that very fact, coupled with the Jets’ apparent willingness to move on, is what makes him a realistic and intriguing target for a cost-conscious team like Dallas.
This potential move isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a strategic play for the present and future.
Contract Control: Johnson is under contract through the 2026 season, meaning he’s not a rental. His cap hit of $13.4 million next year is a reasonable price for a starting-caliber edge rusher.
Buy-Low Opportunity: His current low production and injury history could keep the trade cost—reportedly a second-round pick or higher—from becoming prohibitive.
High-Upside Bet: If Johnson recovers to his 2023 Pro Bowl form, the Cowboys will have acquired a cornerstone defender at a discount. If he excels, a long-term extension would make the initial trade investment look even smarter.
For a Cowboys team that can’t afford to mortgage its future on a short-term rental, Jermaine Johnson represents the ideal balance of risk and reward. He offers the immediate help their anemic pass rush desperately needs, plus the long-term stability that aligns with a multi-year team build. As the November 4th trade deadline approaches, making a push for Johnson isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessary one if Dallas hopes to salvage its season and build a competent defense.