Jermaine Johnson. Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Robert Saleh reunites with defensive star after Titans-Jets trade

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Feb 26, 2026 11:20 AM ET

The New York Jets have agreed to trade pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The deal reunites Johnson with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, who was with the Jets when they selected him in the first round back in 2022.

Jermaine Johnson moves on from up-and-down Jets tenure

Johnson's time in New York had its moments, but never fully clicked. He posted 13.0 sacks across four seasons, with his best year coming in 2023 under Saleh when he made the Pro Bowl with 7.5 sacks.

An injury in 2024 derailed him after just two games, and he struggled to find his rhythm in 2025. At 27 years old, Johnson still has the tools to be a difference-maker when healthy, but staying on the field has been an issue.

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

The trade is in place but won't become official until the new league year opens on March 11. Johnson's market value at Spotrac sits at four years and $73,258,728 with an average salary of $18,314,682, though contract specifics won't be finalized until the deal goes through.

The trade caught people by surprise. There weren't rumors floating around or reports building up to it. The news just hit, and now the Jets are facing questions about their pass rush heading into next season.

Johnson brought energy when he played, something the defense often lacked in 2025. The Jets struggled to generate pressure all year, and losing a player with Johnson's ability adds another hole to an already thin roster. The front office has work to do.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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