On Thursday, the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans agreed to an unusual player-for-player trade that will send pass rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Titans in return for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, sources informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This trade officially becomes effective at the start of the new league year on March 11. The move is part of the Jets’ ongoing effort to reshape their defense following significant roster changes.
Jets Continue Major Defensive Restructuring
This latest trade highlights the Jets’ strategy to rebuild a defense that once held much promise but now faces dramatic transformations. Earlier in November, New York traded away defensive corner Sauce Gardner and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, both first-round picks who played crucial roles on the team. Since 2015, the Jets have moved eight of their eleven first-round selections acquired through 2022, signifying a major shift in team personnel and philosophy.
Jermaine Johnson Expresses Gratitude on Social Media
Jermaine Johnson acknowledged the trade via a social media message on Thursday, expressing heartfelt thanks to the Jets organization and its fans. In his post, he stated,
“New York, thank you for everything truly. The love I’ve been shown here for the past 4-5 years has been nothing short of amazing, both on and off the field. Y’all will always hold a special place in my heart. Wish all of my former coaches and former teammates the best!!”
— Jermaine Johnson II, Defensive End
Familiar Faces Await Johnson in Tennessee
Johnson’s transition to Tennessee reunites him with head coach Robert Saleh, who coached the Jets when he was selected 26th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. Additionally, Johnson will once again play under defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton, his position mentor during his first three professional seasons in New York.
Assessing the Impact and Future Outlook
Johnson, who ended last season with just three sacks after an Achilles tendon injury in 2024, has one year remaining on his contract, which includes a $13.4 million guaranteed salary from his fifth-year option. His reduced production and expiring contract likely influenced the Jets’ decision to trade him. The Jets appear poised to draft a new edge rusher with the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, with Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey considered top prospects for that role.
In exchange, the Jets acquire T’Vondre Sweat, a 6-foot-2, 366-pound interior defender who provides size and strength. Sweat, a second-round pick in 2024, is under contract through 2027 and counts only $1.7 million against the Jets’ 2026 salary cap, offering financial flexibility. His 85 tackles and three sacks in 29 games for the Titans highlight his potential impact along the defensive line.
Scheme Fit Was Key in Trade Decisions
Strategic team schemes significantly influenced this trade. The Jets are expected to incorporate more 3-4 defensive fronts, increasing the need for a bigger interior lineman like Sweat. Conversely, the Titans’ system under Saleh prefers smaller and faster defensive linemen, making Johnson a better fit for their defensive strategy. This mutual adjustment underlines the rationale behind each team’s choice in completing the swap.
Overview of Players’ Recent Performance and Injury History
Sweat, chosen 38th overall in 2024, saw an ankle injury early in the 2025 season, missing five games but demonstrating resilience and capability before the setback. Johnson’s 2024 season was cut short by a torn Achilles tendon in Week 2. Despite a strong 2023 season with 7.5 sacks and a Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement, his recovery affected his explosiveness. Although he returned for 14 games in 2025, registering three sacks and six quarterback hits, Johnson later admitted his performance was below his usual standard due to lingering injury effects.
Throughout his four seasons with the Jets, Johnson accumulated 13 sacks and 131 tackles across 47 games. His potential return to form remains a focal point for the Titans’ defensive hopes.
Implications for Both Teams Moving Forward
This trade marks a significant moment in both franchises’ plans. For the Jets, acquiring Sweat could solidify an interior defensive presence crucial to their anticipated scheme shift and salary cap management. Tennessee, meanwhile, bets on Johnson’s ability to regain pre-injury form and add pressure off the edge.
With the trade’s formal processing scheduled for March 11, the upcoming offseason activities, including the draft, will reveal how each team integrates these players into their respective defensive lineups. The move will be closely watched by fans and analysts eager to see whether the Jets’ strategic choices will accelerate their rebuild and how Johnson’s return impacts the Titans’ pass rush.
New York, thank you for everything truly. The love I’ve been shown here for the past 4-5 years has been nothing short of amazing, both on and off the field. Y’all will always hold a special place in my heart. Wish all of my former coaches and former teammates the best!! Thank all…
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) February 26, 2026
