By Sunday 
When the trade deadline passed without a move, Lions fans mostly shrugged. After all, Detroit’s defense was already cooking — second in the NFL in sacks halfway through the season, and Aidan Hutchinson leading the charge like a man possessed. But with the dust settling, whispers are growing louder: could the Lions take a swing on the Jets’ Jermaine Johnson next offseason?
The $13 Million Question
Jermaine Johnson isn’t just any name floating around the rumor mill. He’s a former first-round pick, a 2023 Pro Bowler, and one of those freak athletes who should be a game-changer on paper. The problem? Injuries and inconsistency have turned his once-bright trajectory into a coin flip.
The Jets exercised his fifth-year option — $13.4 million in 2026 — but he’s managed only one sack in seven games this year after missing most of last season. That’s a tough sell for a franchise that thrives on production, not potential.
Do the Lions Really Need Him?
Let’s be real — Detroit’s front seven has been a revelation. The combination of Hutchinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and blitz-happy linebackers like Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes has kept opposing quarterbacks running for their lives.
So why even talk trade? Because every contender knows there’s a difference between a good pass rush and a championship-caliber one. Depth matters. Pressure wins playoff games. And while the Lions’ unit is performing above expectations, it’s also relying on role players having career years. That’s a risky formula to bank on deep into January.
The Fit vs. The Cost
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton floated the Lions as a logical suitor if the Jets move Johnson this offseason — but his proposed price tag (a second-round pick plus Day 3 sweetener) feels steep. For a player who hasn’t been healthy or dominant in two seasons, that’s a lot of faith to buy.
The Lions could instead dip into free agency or draft a young edge-rusher to grow beside Hutchinson without mortgaging high picks or eating a $13 million hit. Still, if Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell see untapped potential — and believe in Detroit’s ability to revive careers — Johnson could become another example of the Lions’ knack for reclamation projects.
Final Verdict: Tempting, But Tread Lightly
There’s a seductive “what if” here. What if Johnson stays healthy? What if he rediscovers that 2023 Pro Bowl form opposite Hutchinson? The Lions’ defense could go from dangerous to downright terrifying.
But for now, this feels like a move to watch, not to rush. The Lions have built something steady, tough, and organic. Unless the Jets’ asking price drops, Detroit might be better off letting someone else take the gamble — and enjoying the pass-rushing fireworks they’ve already lit.