NFL teams like the New York Jets have until May 1 to either exercise or decline the fully guaranteed 5th-year options of the 1st round picks from the 2022 NFL Draft class for the 2026 season. 5th-year options are determined based on four unique tiers, including basic, playtime, one Pro Bowl, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Over The Cap goes through each tier in further detail.
The Jets have already decided on two of their first-round picks, exercising both Sauce Gardner’s and Garrett Wilson’s 5th-year options. The front office must decide on their other pick very shortly.
Also Read: New York Jets: Make $20 Million Decision on Elite All-Pro, New York Jets: Make $16 Million Decision on Offensive Cornerstone
The New York Jets’ No. 26 pick is categorized under tier 1
Since Jermaine Johnson has not met the playing time threshold of over 50% of snaps in his first three seasons and did not make a Pro Bowl on the original ballot, his 5th-year option is categorized under Tier 1, the basic tier. Tier 1 is worth $13.922 million, the equivalent of the average of the 3rd to 25th highest salaries for an outside linebacker/EDGE rusher over the past five seasons, according to Over The Cap.
Johnson has developed into a solid EDGE rusher, recording 21 quarterback hits and ten sacks in 33 games, including a career-high of 16 quarterback hits and 7.5 sacks in 2023. His accolades include being a Pro Bowl alternate in 2023. However, he missed their final 15 games of the 2024 season due to an Achilles tear.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft Class: Picks 25-31
The New York Jets are set to make a $13 million call on pass rusher
According to Ian Rapoport, GM Darren Mougey told the media during Monday’s press conference that the Jets plan to exercise Jermaine Johnson’s 5th-year option. As a result, he will make $13.922 million in 2026.
#Jets GM Darren Mougey tells reporters that the team will exercise fifth-year options on 2022 first-round draft picks Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, and Jermaine Johnson II.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2025
Why it makes sense
Exercising Jermaine Johnson’s 5th-year option makes sense because he is young. Johnson turns 27 next January and is in the prime of his career with plenty of good football left in him. He has also shown flashes of greatness, especially in 2023, when he recorded career highs in quarterback hits, sacks, tackles, and TFLs.
Why it doesn’t make sense
Exercising Johnson’s 5th-year option doesn’t make sense because, outside of 2023, he has been inconsistent, with 33 tackles, four TFLs, five quarterback hits, one safety, and 2.5 sacks in 16 games combined between 2022 and 2024. He is also coming off a significant Achilles injury, and it’s unclear if he will make a full recovery and return to 2023 form.
