Jets sign 1st-rounder Jermaine Johnson to rookie deal

Updated May. 16, 2022 8:29 p.m. ET

Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets signed defensive end Jermaine Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick in the NFL draft, to a fully guaranteed four-year, $13.1 million rookie deal Monday.

Johnson joins cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, selected fourth overall, as Jets first-round picks under contract.

The deal for Johnson includes a $6.7 million signing bonus and the standard fifth-year option for the Jets.

New York

"Mindset, violence," Johnson said recently during rookie minicamp when asked what the keys are to setting the edge on defense. "There's no pretty boy work in the trenches. It’s fun and sacks look good and stuff like that, but first and second down are primarily runs, so you have to earn the right to rush the passer.

"And what comes with that at my position is setting the edge, and you have to be violent and take your job serious.”

Johnson, a native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, began his college career at Independence Community College — where he was among the players featured on the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U.” He transferred to Georgia and played two seasons for the Bulldogs before heading to Florida State and playing his way to being a first-round draft pick.

“It’s awesome,” Johnson said. “I mean, kind of the dream aspect, just envisioning myself being in this position and, you know, actually being here ”

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