In a stunning turn of events, the New York Jets have finally agreed to trade defensive end Jermaine Johnson.
Johnson, the No. 26 overall pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, was mentioned in trade rumors prior to last season's deadline. The Jets, however, decided to hold onto him after moving on from Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams.
“I’d be lying if I said I was happy my brothers are gone because I’m not, I’m sick,” Johnson wrote on social media. “But, I believe strongly in the organization, staff and my other brothers in the locker room. I said when I got drafted I wanted to be the reason or part of the reason this thing gets changed for the better and that’s going to continue to be my outlook. I love this team and this fan base and y’all will continue to get my all, my absolute best on and off the field. Let’s look onward and upward because better things are coming and I give my word on that. Go Jets always.”
A few months later, Johnson learned that he'll be changing teams.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Tennessee Titans have agreed to trade defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat to the Jets in exchange for Johnson. This deal can't be processed until the start of the new league year.
It's a reunion for Jermaine Johnson.
Back in 2023, Johnson earned Pro Bowl honors after racking up 55 tackles, 16 QB hits, 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His head coach at the time was Robert Saleh.
Now that Johnson is heading to Tennessee, he'll once again get to play in Saleh's system. That's great news for a player who is due for a contract extension.
As for the Jets, they'll have to hope Sweat is a great fit in Aaron Glenn's system. He's been productive since going pro in 2024, compiling 85 tackles, three sacks and a forded fumble in 29 games.