The Tennessee Titans and New York Jets have finalized a trade sending defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Sweat, entering his third NFL season, moves to the Jets, while Johnson, now in his fifth season, joins the Titans.
Performance and Injury History of T’Vondre Sweat
During the early part of the 2025 NFL season, Sweat sustained an ankle injury that caused him to miss five games. He completed the campaign with 34 tackles, including one tackle for loss, alongside two sacks and a pass deflection. In his rookie year of 2024, Sweat appeared in every game for the Titans, achieving a personal best of 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Prior to his professional career, Sweat spent five seasons at Texas, where in 2023 he earned All-American recognition.
Jermaine Johnson’s Career Highlights and Recent Performance
Jermaine Johnson played in 14 games for the Jets last season, recording 43 tackles, three sacks, and two pass deflections. His prior season was limited to only two games after a torn Achilles tendon. Johnson’s standout performance came in 2023 when he recorded a career-high 55 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and an interception, which earned him Pro Bowl honors.
New Leadership and Defensive Plans with Robert Saleh
The Titans hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach this offseason. Saleh shared insights about Sweat’s role in Tennessee’s defensive strategies, highlighting Sweat’s physical abilities and adaptability.
We had a guy in 2000—I want to say, I think it was ’23, maybe ’22, Al Woods. Who is just as big, just as fast, just as fleet of foot,
Saleh said.
Obviously, it’s going to be different; we’re going to ask things of him that are different than what he’s done in the past, but one thing he has shown on tape is he can get numbers-to-numbers, which we need our D-line to be able to do.
Saleh further emphasized Sweat’s athleticism and readiness for the demanding role on his defensive line.
… He’s a big man. He’s got much faster feet than people realize. Is it going to be easy for him? It’s not. It is a lot of work. It is physically demanding to play D-line in our system. But I do think he’s up to the task. I’ve had great conversations with him and I’m excited to see him get to work.
Jets’ Coaching Changes and Defensive Outlook
Following Saleh’s departure, the New York Jets appointed Aaron Glenn as head coach in 2024. Under Glenn, the Jets finished last season with a 3-14 record but showed potential improvements. Glenn plans to personally handle defensive play calling for the upcoming season.
To me, play calling is my superpower, really,
Glenn stated, via the Associated Press.
Doing it for four years in Detroit, man, just look at the maturation of those four years of how we improved every year and how I improved as a play caller. I really miss doing that. I think it’s a huge part of helping us become the team that I see us becoming.
Implications of the Trade for Both Teams
This trade marks a significant shift for both franchises as they look to strengthen their defensive rosters with experienced players. Sweat will now bring his agility and tackling ability to the Jets, while Johnson’s pass-rushing skills will provide a fresh dynamic to the Titans’ defensive front. Robert Saleh’s commentary suggests Tennessee expects Sweat to adapt swiftly to new responsibilities, enhancing their defensive versatility. Meanwhile, Glenn’s decision to oversee defensive calls highlights his commitment to making the Jets’ defense more effective in the coming season.
Trade! The Titans have agreed to send NT T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets for DE Jermaine Johnson, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 26, 2026
