Former Florida State All-American Jermaine Johnson has been traded from the New York Jets to the Tennessee Titans.

The Jets received former Texas Longhorn and 2022 All-American defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat.

Johnson, a former first rounder and ACC Defensive Player of the Year, will be reuniting with Robert Saleh, former head coach of the Jets who drafted Johnson with the 26th pick in the 2022 draft. Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl in 2023, and had 13 sacks and 129 tackles in his four years in New York.

Johnson, who suffered a season ending Achilles injury in 2024 following his Pro-Bowl season recorded a measly three sacks last year in Gotham. The Jets who picked up his fifth-year option were reluctant about offering a long term extension.

By trading the former All-ACC performer the Jets are now positioned to potentially fill their pass rush void with David Bailey, the top rated pass rusher from Texas Tech in this year's upcoming NFL draft.

Drafting Bailey fills the voided position with a high-caliber player, and more importantly it sets the financial clock back as Bailey would be playing on a rookie deal, freeing up money for the Jets to address other needs.

Head coach Aaron Glenn announced he will take over defensive play calling duties in 2026 and will focus on a 3-4 defense, which can benefit from a player like Sweat.

Sweat is a true nose tackle who could line up at the five technique (inside the shade of the offensive tackle), just like JJ Watt did for the Houston Texans, who also played in a 3-4. In Glenn’s defense, Sweat will be asked to clog holes, which will help the four linebackers get to the ball faster. 

The second year into an Achilles injury is where players start to feel like themselves again.

The timing of this couldn't be any better for Johnson who will be playing for a new contract in his first year with the Titans.

As Saleh looks to establish a culture, and more importantly a pass rush, he is banking on Johnson being able to get back to his Pro-Bowl form. 

Gambling on injured players or players who are still in some aspect of physical recovery is a risk in the NFL.

As Saleh learned in New York, NFL means NOT FOR LONG. Saleh, who is taking over the second-worst run defense in the league could be making a mistake by letting a healthy 24-year old Sweat walk out the door.

The Jets won this trade and still have the Nos. 2 and 16 picks in the first round of this year's NFL draft.

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