Titans, Jets both benefit by swapping young defenders

The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans are attempting to lift each other with their mutually beneficial trade announced Thursday.

Per reports, the Jets agreed to send 2023 Pro Bowler Jermaine Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, to the Titans in exchange for former second-round defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, who was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's All-Rookie Team in 2024.

The deal has the potential to be a win-win for both squads, with The Athletic's Dianna Russini noting it reunites Johnson with his former Jets head coach Robert Saleh, hired to the same role by the Titans earlier this offseason, while providing Sweat a better opportunity as Tennessee changes defensive schemes.

Johnson, who is set to play on his fifth-year rookie option in 2026, had his best season under Saleh in 2023, finishing the season with 55 tackles (11 for loss), 7.5 sacks, seven passes defensed, an interception — which he returned for a touchdown — and a forced fumble and recovery.

The move also gives the Jets a starting-caliber defensive tackle after dealing Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at the 2025 trade deadline, which created a significant hole at the position. Over his first two seasons, Sweat has generated 41 total pressures in 29 games (28 starts), according to Pro Football Focus data. At 6-foot-4, 366 pounds, he can also plug the middle on run plays, giving him value as an every-down defender.

Titans-Jets trade gives teams options in free agency, 2026 draft

Both players have the ability to thrive in their respective new homes, and the trade also gives New York and Tennessee options as they prepare for free agency, which opens on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET, and the 2026 NFL Draft, set for April 23-25.

As ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes wrote on social media regarding the Titans, the move "Doesn't prohibit [the Titans] from going edge with their first pick, but if they also address the position in free agency, perhaps they're more comfortable going offense early."