The Tennessee Titans need to address the defensive end/EDGE rusher position, as multiple players are set to become free agents, and the hiring of Robert Saleh has led to a shift from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme. Jihad Ward and Arden Key are free agents, leaving Femi Oladejo, Jaylen Harrell, Truman Jones, and Ali Gaye as the only four players under contract not on reserve future deals. With over $110 million in cap space, the Titans should be able to land a big-name pass rusher.
Also Read: Tennessee Titans: Ink Soaring Defensive Prospect to 4-year Deal
Tennessee Titans: Pro Bowler set to reunite with head coach
Jermaine Johnson
Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) takes the field against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the New York Jets have agreed to send Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans for T’Vondre Sweat, with the deal being finalized at the start of the new league year, reuniting with Robert Saleh. As a result, the Titans will inherit the final year of the Pro Bowler’s contract, essentially a one-year, fully guaranteed $13.11 million deal. Lastly, the team hopes Johnson returns to his 2023 form, where he recorded a career-high 56 pressures, 16 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
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
He has battled injuries over the past two seasons
USATSI 27894253 168400517 lowres
Dec 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) is called for roughing the passer, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during the second quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jermaine Johnson has struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons, missing 18 total games. He missed the final 15 games in 2024 with a torn Achilles, passed his physical in late July 2025, and was medically cleared to play before missing three contests due to an ankle issue. Johnson recorded 47 tackles, six TFLs, six quarterback hits, and three sacks in 16 games in that span. He recorded 43 tackles, five TFLs, 35 pressures, six quarterback hits, and three sacks in 14 games in 2025.
Also Read: New York Jets: Pro Bowl Pass Rusher Receives Medical Clearance
The San Francisco 49ers attempted to acquire Johnson during the NFL Trade Deadline, when Robert Saleh was the defensive coordinator, but the New York Jets ultimately balked at the offer. In the end, Saleh gets his guy three months later.