Courtesy:Jermaine Johnson II
A rare offseason trade agreement is sending two young defenders into new chapters as the Tennessee Titans and the New York Jets finalize plans for an early spring roster shift. According to reports, the Titans have agreed to acquire pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II in exchange for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, creating one of the first major personnel moves ahead of the 2026 league year. The deal, which remains pending, will become official once the new season calendar begins on March 11.
Johnson reunites with familiar leadership in Tennessee
For Johnson, this move marks a reunion with new Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who previously worked with him during his early years in New York. Their shared tenure began when the Jets selected Johnson in the first round of the 2022 draft. His time there brought a blend of highs and challenges that defined his first four professional seasons. Johnson recorded 13 total sacks during his run with the Jets, including his standout 2023 performance that earned him a Pro Bowl appearance.
That period of momentum shifted after a major injury in 2024, which limited him to just two games. His 2025 season carried flashes of promise but lacked the consistent impact he delivered before the setback. The transition to Tennessee offers him a reset under a coach who understands both his strengths and his potential.
The Titans, meanwhile, have been actively searching for added pass-rush power to support defensive cornerstone Jeffery Simmons. The acquisition of Johnson is expected to play a central role in shaping the team’s defensive identity moving forward.
Sweat brings size and force to the Jets’ interior defense
Sweat’s move to New York brings one of the league’s most physically imposing young linemen into a system that urgently needs interior strength. At 6 feet 4 inches and 366 pounds, Sweat has built a reputation as a space-filling defender who commands double teams and stabilizes the run defense.
Sweat was a second-round pick and has collected three sacks across his first two seasons. While his statistical output is modest, his presence has opened opportunities for edge players and linebackers to create disruption. New York struggled against the run last season, and Sweat’s addition signals an effort to correct that weakness as the team reshapes the front of its defense.
His move also intensifies speculation about how the Jets will use their No. 2 overall draft pick. With the departure of Johnson, the franchise is increasingly expected to select a rookie edge rusher, setting the stage for additional defensive reinforcements.
The Titans’ broader defensive vision begins to take shape
Tennessee’s decision to move Sweat also highlights the organization’s strategy in free agency. With significant financial flexibility, the Titans appear poised to explore more additions along the defensive line. The possibility of reconnecting with former Saleh favorite John Franklin-Myers has surfaced as one potential outcome of this new roster construction.
The shift reflects a clear priority to rebuild the defensive front with a blend of explosiveness, familiarity and adaptability. Johnson’s arrival, paired with the team’s spending power, may position Tennessee for a deeper transformation ahead of training camp.
The Jets and Titans begin preparing for an active offseason
Both organizations are heading into an offseason filled with evaluations and new opportunities. The Jets face decisions about how to complement Sweat with emerging talent and how to reshape their pass-rush unit through the draft. The Titans anticipate integrating Johnson into a defense that requires immediate impact and renewed production.
This February trade stands out as an early signal that both franchises intend to move aggressively as they set the tone for their 2026 seasons.
Source: NFL.com
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