During NFL Combine week, coaches and general managers can have in-person conversations that may snowball into major moves. This is seen nearly every year, and in 2026, nothing has changed.
NFL World Reacts to Robert Saleh Trading for Jermaine Johnson
In a surprising move, the New York Jets have traded away their star EDGE Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans for DT T’Vondre Sweat. This trade seemingly came out of nowhere, but for both sides, the move makes sense.
Johnson was drafted by Saleh when he was the Jets’ head coach and the Titans needed to upgrade their pass rush. Johnson has had an up-and-down start to his career, mostly dealing with injuries, but when he is on the field, he can be a game-changer.
For the Jets, they needed a DT, which was one of their top needs, and Sweat is a long-term option, only being 24. He is viewed as a big nose tackle that can take up space and really improve a team’s run defense, which was lacking in New York.
As I mentioned, this move came out of nowhere, and here is how the NFL World reacted:
Jets reporter Rich Cimini reveals that Johnson has been available for a while, “Another big name shipped out of New York. Johnson was dangled in trade talks in the fall, and now he’s gone.”
Another big name shipped out of New York. Johnson was dangled in trade talks in the fall, and now he’s gone. https://t.co/PR0onTmWaX
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 26, 2026
And he explains further how this affects the NFL Draft:
Trading Jermaine Johnson leaves the Jets very thin on the edge, which points to them taking an edge with the No. 2 pick — Arvell Reese, David Bailey and Rueben Bain as the top candidates. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) February 26, 2026
Jets writer Zack Rosenblatt provided some insight into what New York got in this move:
Wow. The Jets traded Jermaine Johnson to the Titans — and get a talented DT in return. https://t.co/8DTa4wXuQH
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) February 26, 2026
NFL insider Tom Pelissero outlines how the Titans get a reunion and how Sweat is an integral piece to Aaron Glenn’s defense:
Jermaine Johnson reunites with Robert Saleh in Tennessee, while Aaron Glenn gets a top nose tackle for the remodeled Jets defense. https://t.co/t5ffv0mDhP
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 26, 2026
Jets beat reporter Brian Costello explains the Jets’ outlook for free agency and the draft: “The Jets are now definitely in the edge rusher market in FA and the draft. Glenn now gets a nose tackle as he adjusts the defense to play more multiple fronts.
The Jets are now definitely in the edge rusher market in FA and the draft. Glenn now gets a nose tackle as he adjusts the defense to play more multiple fronts.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) February 26, 2026
Beat reporter David Furones said, “Robert Saleh gets his guy back.”
Robert Saleh gets his guy back. https://t.co/TtkgEDVjDQ
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) February 26, 2026
Podcaster Johnny Venerable questions how this move changes the Jets’ plans in the NFL Draft:
Jets freeing up room for a pass rusher at pick 2? https://t.co/rmNLNJBLaU
— Johnny Venerable (@JohnnyVenerable) February 26, 2026
This trade between the Titans and the Jets was a great move by both sides to improve their defenses. Now, with free agency and the NFL Draft in focus, each team’s offseason future may be clearer.
