Jermaine Johnson is the latest defender to see his Jets tenure come to an end under the team’s new regime. The fifth-year edge rusher is on the move. 
Johnson is being traded by the Jets to the Titans, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is heading to New York in return. Like all trades, the final agreement is pending a physical for both players. This swap will not be finalized until after the new league year begins, Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes.
This swap will allow for Johnson to reunite with Robert Saleh. The two were previously together on the Jets, and after a one-year stint as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator Saleh was hired last month to take charge of the Titans. Adding along the edge has been seen as a critical need in Tennessee’s case, and before free agency has even begun the team has already lined up a move on that front.
Saleh’s arrival brought about a change in scheme, something which Russini notes made Sweat more of a trade chip. In two Tennessee seasons, the former second-rounder has posted 85 stops and eight tackles for loss. Sweat, who will turn 25 in July, has two years remaining on his rookie contract. He will look to provide New York with a starting presence along the interior and by doing so help fill the vacancy created by the Quinnen Williams deal.
Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner were each traded away at the 2025 deadline. The Jets’ new decision-making tandem of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn received considerable interest in Johnson as well, but no deal was worked out in his case. New York rejected an offer including a third-round pick at the time, but that did not ensure Johnson would remain in place for 2026.
A December report indicated it was highly unlikely Johnson would work out an extension with the Jets. The 27-year-old will play out his fifth-year option in 2026, but he will do so on a new team. Johnson is due $13.41MM and will carry the same cap charge on Tennessee, a team which can comfortably afford an increase in costs along the defensive front. The same is also true of the Jets, of course, so it will be interesting to see how they proceed in the pass-rush department this spring.
New York owns the second overall pick in April’s draft. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza is universally expected to be selected first overall, which will leave the Jets in line to add at a different position. That could result in a pass rusher such as hybrid linebacker/EDGE Arvell Reese hearing his name called at the No. 2 slot. Free agency will also present the Jets with a number of options to add options on the edge.
Johnson had a quiet rookie season but earned a Pro Bowl nod based on his strong play in 2023. The Florida State product notched 7.5 sacks and 25 QB pressures, leading to high expectations for a strong follow-up campaign. However, an Achilles tear limited Johnson to just two games in 2024. He managed to make 14 appearances this past season, but in that time Johnson only recorded three sacks. A turnaround in Tennessee would go a long way in shaping his financial future.
The Jets ranked 29th against the run last season. Improving on that figure will be a key priority, and Sweat will be tasked with helping out on early downs in particular. The 6-4, 366-pounder was one of many Tennessee players who drew interest on the trade front this past fall, and his stock in the organization was not believed to be particularly high heading into the offseason. A change of scenery could prove to be beneficial to all parties.
After this swap becomes official, the Titans and Jets will still be among the league leaders in cap flexibility. Both teams also have considerable draft capital at the moment, so several more moves could be coming soon.
How do the Jets keep stealing good DT’s from teams? Last year they get Jowon Briggs from the Browns for pennies. Now, they get Sweat for Johnson?
this makes absolutely no sense for the titans. why trade 2 years of good run blocking for 1 year of a couple sacks
It literally says it in the article, scheme change
that and reuniting with Saleh
Not a fan. Really liked the idea of Jeff and Sweat in the middle of Saleh’s defense.
Johnson coming off an Achilles tear. Maybe he will be up to speed this season? Just not a fan.
He tore his Achilles week 2 of 2024.
We’re aware
Maybe Saleh can light a fire under Johnson? Sweat has as many sacks as Johnson the last two years.
Trade Trade Trade! Business is gonna pick-up??
Saleh will never learn. Jermaine Johnson may be a good scheme fit but J E T S got the better player.
Huh? Well, alright then!
As a Jets fan, I like it but get it for both teams. The Jets get two cheap years of a high upside player two years younger at a position of need while off-loading a player who disappointed last season when they’re most likely going to be drafting an edge rusher at number two overall.
I get it for the Titans, though. Saleh wants to get home with four rushers. They desperately need edge help, but they might rather take Carnell Tate or their choice of offensive lineman (or even trade down) instead of maybe taking their second favorite edge rusher at three. Plus they’ll likely be in good position to take a new DT at the top of the second. Saleh knows Johnson and Johnson is likely to be better another year removed from his injury.
As a football fan who’s really interested in team building, I just like seeing this sort of trade. It’s fun!
I like this for both teams.
Makes complete sense for both sides imo.
Tennessee really needs edge help, and the Jets desperately need somebody to replace Q. I think everybody and their mother expects them to draft Reese, while Tennessee seriously needs OL help and a young true #1 WR for their first overall pick QB.