The Chicago Bears are rolling right now, having won four straight games. They sit with a 4-2 record and travel to the Inner Harbor to play the Baltimore Ravens next at M&T Bank Stadium. The biggest question mark heading into the game is Lamar Jackson's health, but the Bears will be ready to roll regardless of who lines up under center for the Ravens.
With the defense at the forefront of the conversation entering this weekend's game, it is only fitting that fans are treated to some trade speculation that would bolster that side of the ball in the Windy City. The trade deadline is on Nov. 4, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen released an article discussing 25 players who could be on the move, including New York Jets EDGE Jermaine Johnson, who checked in at No. 10 on the list.
The Bears were listed as a team fit, but it sounds like he won't be getting moved after all. On Wednesday, Johnson posted a GIF from the movie The Wolf of Wall Street, in which Leonardo DiCaprio famously said, "I'm not leavin'."
With his name tossed in trade talks, it seems like Johnson is indicating that he isn't expecting to be heading anywhere else ahead of the deadline.
Jermaine Johnson Reveals on Social Media That He Won’t Be Traded
The Jets are 0-7 on the season and are expected to be sellers at the deadline. Johnson is a player who is garnering attention around the league and would be a great addition to the Bears' defense.
In 37 career games with the Jets, Johnson secured 103 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 23 QB hits, and 11 sacks. Johnson can get after the quarterback and holds his own against the run pretty well on the edge. Perhaps more important, though, there would have been a certain level of familiarity that Chicago's defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, has with Johnson, as they were both employed by the Jets at the same time.
Chicago's defense is first in the NFL in takeaways (16) and turnover ratio (+11). They are forcing turnovers at a high rate, but they've been able to do so without a consistent pass rush. They are tied for 28th in the NFL in team sacks (12).
Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. is leading the team in sacks (2.5), followed by Montez Sweat's two sacks. The need for more juice off the edge is there, which is why a guy like Johnson would have been intriguing.
Thankfully, there are other edge rushers on the market. That list includes Jaelan Phillips, Arden Key, Arnold Ebiketie, and Trey Hendrickson. These guys can all be moved for the right price, and the Bears may look to bring one of them in.
The deadline is quickly approaching, but it looks like Johnson won't be involved in any future deals this season.