Who Should I Start? Jermaine Johnson or Amaré Barno

Wednesday, February 5, 3:14 PM

New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) said he will be ready for OTAs this offseason following an Achilles tear in Week 2 of the 2024 campaign. "I'll be ready to go by OTAs," Johnson said. "I spoke to the doc on Saturday and he said everything looks perfect. He said that thing ain't re-tearing. Everything is looking good. The explosion is coming back. I'm excited." The 2022 first-round pick had a lackluster rookie season with just 2.5 sacks before posting 7.5 sacks in 2023. He was viewed as a potential breakout candidate heading into 2024 before his season ended in a flash. Johnson could start slow as he recovers from the major injury in 2025, but the 26-year-old could still pan out as a potential difference-maker for new head coach Aaron Glenn's defense.

Tuesday, May 28, 2:11 PM

Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Amare Barno (knee) finished last year on Injured Reserve and missed the final two games of the regular season, but he's progressing nicely and was limited in organized team activities last week, according to head coach Dave Canales. "The reports we're getting are great, so he's trending in the right direction. I don't have a specific date, but he is out there working and he's got his cleats on doing stuff, so I'm looking forward to getting him back up to speed so we can get him back in a practice at some point," Canales said. Barno saw an 11% increase in defensive snaps in 2023 and even made his first career start, finishing with 21 tackles and one tackle for loss in 15 games played. The 25-year-old is likely to serve as depth at the linebacker position again this year for Carolina.