Haason Reddick, Jermaine Johnson 'Thrilled' to Lead New York Jets' Defense

New York Jets' starting edge rusher Jermaine Johnson displayed excitement on social media when the team traded for Haason Reddick, who has since confirmed the feeling is mutual.

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) reacts / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

They say "game recognizes game."

Such appears to be the case with the New York Jets' defense and its new edge rusher Haason Reddick.

When news of the trade between the Jets and Philadelphia Eagles emerged on social media, Jets' starting defensive end Jermaine Johnson displayed his excitement by posting a GIF on Twitter and writing "team got better" in a reply to cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) reacts / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

While starting all 17 games for the NFL's third-ranked defense, Johnson recorded 7.5 sacks during his sophomore season breakout. He'll likely see even more opportunities to harass opposing passers in 2024 as a result of lining up opposite of Reddick, who has logged no fewer than 11.0 sacks in each of the last four years.

Meanwhile, Reddick spoke glowingly about his new teammates during Monday's introductory press conference.

"I love it. You got dawgs at each level on the defense, literally," said Reddick.

The 29-year-old Reddick proceeded to name nearly every New York starter, listing Johnson first amongst the edge rushers' group.

"I'm happy to be around a group of guys like this, a talented roster such as this one," said Reddick. "It's gonna be fun. I don't think anybody's ready for what's about to happen."

Reddick, the No. 13 overall selection in 2017 NFL Draft, essentially replaces Bryce Huff, who signed a free agent contract with Philadelphia after leading the Jets in sacks this past season. While Huff was more of a pass rush specialist for Gang Green, however, the South Jersey-born Reddick averaged more than 49 snaps per game for Philadelphia. He notched back-to-back Pro Bowl selections while logging 27.0 sacks over his two-year tenure with the Eagles.