The NFL offseason is underway, and we have our first trade to report. With all eyes on Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, the New York Jets & Tenneessse Titans make the first move of the winter. In a one-for-one deal, New York will send edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Titans. In exchange, the Jets will acquire defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. After four seasons, the 2022 first-round pick’s tenure with the Jets comes to an end. As for New York, they not only add an interior defensive lineman with upside, they also clear major cap space.
Trade: the New York Jets are sending DE Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for DT T'Vondre Sweat, per ESPN sources.
The trade cannot be processed until the start of the new league year in March. pic.twitter.com/PzdYW9JeZ1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 26, 2026
Report: Jets Acquire T’Vondre Sweat From Titans for Jermaine Johnson
While it can’t be processed until the league year starts on March 11th, the first trade of the offseason has been reported. After four years in New York, Jermaine Johnson II is heading to the Tennessee Titans. Selected with the 26th overall pick in 2022 out of Florida State, Johnson was coming into his own in 2023. After finishing the year with 7.5 sacks, a pick-six, and a forced fumble recovery, Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl appearance. However, his production took a hit after his season-ending Achilles tear in the Week 2 victory against the Titans in 2024. While recovering in 2025, Johnson played in 14 games but limited success with only three sacks and 43 total tackles. Now, Johnson gets to reunite with former Jets head coach Robert Saleh with hopes to rejuvenate the former Pro Bowler’s stock.
T’Vondre Sweat adds another interior lineman with pass-rush upside
As for the Jets, in exchange for Johnson, they acquire defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing north of 266 lbs, Sweat is a physically imposing run stopper on the interior. Sweat was drafted in the second round of the 2024 Draft out of Texas. The former Outland Trophy winner for the best interior defensive lineman in college made quick work of adjusting to the league. During his rookie season, Sweat finished 12th in the defensive rookie of the year vote. Sweat finsihed back to back seasons with four tackles for loss in each season, along with two sacks in 2025.
T'VONDRE SWEAT, @Titans DL –
In his 2nd season, Sweat, recorded a @PFF Overall Grade of 83.4 – ranking 5th out of 134 interior defensive linemen (Per @PFF) #TitanUp #Titans #Tennessee #NFL #nflnews #NFLTwitter #NFLDraft #SuperBowl #NFLPicks #nflx pic.twitter.com/fJlQV3Odqk
— Pro Football Hall of Fame Ambassador (@PFHOFAmbassador) January 30, 2026
Despite being limited to only 12 games last year, Sweat flashed pass-rush upside in his short career. After the Jets success with Jowon Briggs trade last year, Sweat adds another interior defensive presence to help get after the quarterback. However, the incentives don’t stop there. After having his fifth-year option accepted, Johnson will cost the Titans $13.4 million against the cap. Meanwhile, Sweat has two years of control left on his deal, costing New York only $1.6 million in 2025. As a result, the Jets freed up an extra $11.8 million in cap space. Due to the extra money, the Jets now have the third most cap space in the league at north of $91 million. This gives Darren Mougey more flexibility to improve the roster.
Johnson trade makes Jets Draft Plans clearer
With less than 60 days until the NFL Draft, New York’s offseason plans become more transparent. Holding onto the second overall pick, the Jets can make a major addition to their 31st-ranked defense in 2025. After moving on from Jermaine Johnson, New York now has room on the defensive line for an edge rusher. It gives New York an opening to add projected favorite Arvell Reese, the Ohio State linebacker/edge rusher, with the second overall pick. After an accomplished career that includes a National Championship in 2024 and a 6.5 sack season in 2025, Reese can be the kind of impact talent to help turn New York’s defense around.
In addition, the presence of Sweat joining Jowon Briggs could incentivize New York to focus on additional spots on the defense. With four picks within the top 45, New York has the tools to make major improvements. The duo of Sweat and Briggs could allow Mougey to turn his attention to safety within those four picks. Such as Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo. Perhaps target a linebacker like Reese’s Ohio State teammate, Sonny Styles. Or even a cornerback like LSU’s Mansoor Delane with the 16th pick. Regardless, Jets general manager Darren Mougey made a great move by acquiring T’Vondre Sweat.
Main Photo: [Andrew Nelles/The Tenneesean] – Imagn Images