New Role For John Franklin-Myers? New York Jets Left With Final Edge Question

The three-down edge rusher should have a role on the 2024 Jets roster, but how big a role will that be now that Haason Reddick is now a part of the roster?

Jan 1, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) sacks / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

John Franklin-Myers has been a quietly strong addition to the New York Jets roster since he was signed in 2019.

His ability to defend the run, and produce some level of strong pass rushing skills has allowed not only the former fourth-round pick to find a home in New York, but it's helped the Jets defense become one of the top units in the NFL.

Jan 1, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; New York Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) sacks / Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

New York's pass rush may look somewhat different in 2024 following the trade for Pro Bowl edge rusher Haason Reddick, but Franklin-Myer's impact on the team should still be strong.

For starters, his 6-4, 288lb. frame makes him a tweener of sorts in Robert Saleh's defensive scheme. He would be a little undersized for an interior lineman, but is far bigger than the likes of Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald on the roster.

While his role may change into the new league year, JFM's overall skill set should give the Jets plenty fo flexibility. His size will allow him to move inside on sure-fire passing downs - preparing the edge defender to attack against slower guards and centers instead of athletic tackles.

The addition of Reddick essentially allows this to happen. The former Eagle played over 70% of the snaps last season in Philadelphia, and has recorded over 50 sacks combined in the last five seasons. His work as a three-down edge means that the Jets will have to find room for JFM and McDonald as well.

Then there are the cap constraints that come with this potential move inside for Franklin-Myers.

The Stephen F. Austin product carries a cap hit of over $16 million this season. New York will most likely be looking to restructure the deal to save money for the upcoming NFL Draft, Some analysts believe JFM could be a late cap casualty due to those numbers, but a simple restructure is arguably the best way to move forward for the entire group.

Franklin-Myers is a quality defender who can play both inside and out for the upcoming year. If the Jets were to ouright cut him, it would open yet another hole the team would need to fill on draft night.

In the end, JFM's versatility makes his presence on the 2024 unit very important.