Jarret

Johnson

Johnson wouldn’t give the Jets the explosive, every-down edge rusher they’ve lacked throughout Rex Ryan’s tenure, but he knows the scheme and would be a natural fit. Johnson is a longtime Ryan favorite, and has experience at three linebacker positions (inside and outside in a 3-4, and strong-side ‘backer in a 4-3.). Johnson is 30 years old, but has durably started 89 straight games.

However, Newsome also hinted that re-signing both may not be financially feasible. The Baltimore Sun expects McClain to be a higher priority. Johnson was the more effective player in 2011, but is nearly four years older than McClain. He’ll turn 31 in August.

The Ravens have informed Johnson they’d like to re-sign him, but admitted it will be difficult due to his expected interest in free agency. Unless the soon-to-be 31-year-old linebacker is greeted by an unexpectedly soft market, he will be moving on from Baltimore.

“There is nothing active going on,” said Johnson. “The Ravens will be in the mix. The body of work is there for them to judge.” A Rex Ryan favorite, the Jets and Colts are among the teams that have expressed interest in signing Johnson this offseason.

The Ravens wanted Johnson, but not enough to keep him in Purple. Jets coach Rex Ryan was also interested in reuniting with Johnson. Turning 30 in August, Johnson has established a niche as one of the league’s most effective outside linebackers against the run and least effective in reaching the quarterback. He won’t fill San Diego’s need for a pass rusher, but he can form an effective tag-team with Antwan Barnes. Johnson will also add a hard edge to a defense that had gone soft.

Caplan and Chappell’s tweets were nearly identical, and both cited Chuck Pagano’s background with Johnson and Redding. Redding and Johnson are both over 30 years old, but would be big helps in transitioning Indy’s defense from a 4-3 to 3-4. The Colts would soon have to find younger replacements.

Beat writer Jeff Zrebiec forecasts that McClain will walk and Johnson will re-sign. Speaking at the Combine, GM Ozzie Newsome said he hoped to re-sign both, but admitted it might not be possible. Johnson graded out as a far better player than McClain in Pro Football Focus’ 2011 rankings, but is nearly four years older.

Johnson’s production slipped during his age-30 campaign, but he has made it known he would like to return, and the Ravens don’t have a compelling in-house option to replace him. It’s more likely than not Johnson will be back for a 10th season in Baltimore.

In other words, the Colts are targeting SLB Jarret Johnson. A nine-year veteran, Johnson’s production slipped during his age-30 season, but his versatility projects as an ideal addition for coach Chuck Pagano’s defense.

Pees was Johnson’s 2011 position coach, but his attendance could also be taken a sign that he wants badly for the Ravens to re-sign him. “Me being here today has nothing to do about my future,” Johnson insisted. “It has everything to do with (Pees’) future.” Johnson is entering his age-31 campaign. It’s fair to wonder if Pees may want to go younger at his position.