There's no doubt that New York Jets' loss of edge rusher Jermaine Johnson is a huge blow to the overall health of the defense.
Johnson has not only been a solid pass-rush option for the Jets, but he more importantly plays all three downs because of his ability to stop the run. The Jets' ineptitude to stop the run has been the main problem with this team's defense to this point which means general manager Joe Douglas has to sign a player(s) that can effectively play two ways.
Since Johnson is done for the season and the Haason Reddick saga shows no sign of ending favorably for the Jets, here are three external options for Douglas to target.
Yannick Ngakoue
With a Haason Reddick deal likely to not get done anytime soon the Jets are in dire need of a pass rush option. They'd brought in edges Takk McKinley, Braiden McGregor, and Jayln Holmes to try and fill in for Reddick on pass rush downs, but they all have not been productive in the first two games.
If Douglas wants to attack the pass rush market, free agent Yannick Ngakoue is one of the most intriguing edge options available.
Ngakoue is only 29 years old and has had multiple years of success throughout his seven-year career. In 2021, he finished with 10 sacks with the Raiders and finished second on the team in QB hits with 23 behind superstar edge Maxx Crosby. He then followed up the next year with 9.5 sacks on the Indianapolis Colts.
Unfortunately, Ngakoue's 2023 season was cut short with the Chicago Bears due to a broken ankle which is a cause for concern about his health in 2024.
That being said if Douglas won't swallow his pride and get a deal done with Reddick there's no reason why Ngakoue should not be at least brought into the facility to see what the veteran still has in store. The Jets' have proved over the last few years that they've been able to revitalize talent such as All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams who was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars and former Jets' pass rusher Bryce Huff who was an undrafted free agent.
Ngakoue having played in a 4-3 defensive scheme over the last three years under Alan Williams (Bears) and Gus Bradley (Colts/Raiders) would be the necessary experience that head coach Robert Saleh could use specifically in the Jets defense. Maybe Ngakoue can be the low-risk, high-reward signing that can help immediately.
Rasheem Green
Another option the Jets could take a look at is pass rusher Rasheem Green who is also on the free agent market. Green has not had the production like Ngakoue over his six-year career, but he's only 27 years old and has had a combined 11.5 sacks over the last three seasons.
Out of the pass-rushing defensive ends available, Green and Ngakoue are the two who have veteran experience in successful defensive units over their careers.
The reason why Green may be a more viable option rather than Ngakoue is due to his health. Green has only missed one game over the last three years and even started in 16 games back in 2021 with the Seattle Seahawks. That season he logged career highs in sacks, tackles, and QB hits.
Jowon Briggs
Outside of the free-agent market, there are a few defensive edges on practice squads across the NFL that the Jets should take a look at. One player that should be a consideration is DE Jowon Briggs.
Briggs is currently on the Cleveland Browns' Practice Squad after being drafted by the team in Round 7 this past April. At 6'2" and 313 pounds, Briggs is listed as a defensive tackle but is undersized for the position.
Nevertheless, Briggs was an impressive pass rusher in college having played several positions across the defensive line during his college career with both Virginia and Cincinnati. He played 59 games in college and logged 12 sacks but in addition, proved to be versatile and bring a combined speed & power aspect to his rushes.
The rookie could be a consideration although with the depth on the Jets defensive end, it could be tough to see how Saleh brings in another young depth piece rather than a veteran.
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