Jermaine Johnson trade details: Jets send former Pro-Bowl EDGE to Titans in DL swap

Jermaine Johnson trade details: Jets send former Pro-Bowl EDGE to Titans in DL swap originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Gearing up for his first season with the Tennessee Titans, Robert Saleh has made a trade with his former team.

On Thursday, the Titans acquired EDGE Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat. Johnson — who was drafted to the Jets when Saleh was head coach in 2022 — is reuniting with the man who first brought him into the NFL.

The move brings a famous draft-day story full circle. During the 2022 pre-draft process, Johnson had a formal visit with Saleh and the Jets' front office. Feeling a strong connection to the coach’s vision, Johnson looked at Saleh and simply said, "Come get me." Saleh did exactly that, trading back into the first round that year to select the Florida State standout at No. 26 overall. Now, as Saleh looks to rebuild the Titans' defense in his own image, he has answered that call a second time.

Here are the complete trade details as the former Pro-Bowler has his new home.

MORE: Why did the Jets trade Jermaine Johnson?

Jermaine Johnson trade details

• Titans receive: Jermaine Johnson
• Jets receive: T'Vondre Sweat

In a one-for-one deal, Tennessee and New York have swapped defensive lineman. The higher-profile player is Johnson, who is going into his fifth year in the NFL. After tallying a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2023 and making the Pro Bowl, he tore his Achilles in 2024 — at Nissan Stadium in Tennessee.

Going the other way is Sweat, the promising defensive tackle from Texas. Through two seasons, he has three sacks and 85 total tackles.

The trade cannot become official until the new league year in mid-March.

MORE: Jets trade 2022 first-round pass rusher to Titans

Jermaine Johnson age

Johnson is 27 years old. He was born on Jan. 7, 1999.

Johnson’s path to the NFL was a relentless climb from junior college to the Power Five. After being academically ineligible for Division I, he enrolled at Independence Community College, where his dominance was captured on the Netflix series "Last Chance U." His performance there made him the top-ranked junior college recruit in the country and earned him a scholarship to Georgia.

At Georgia, he was a key rotational piece on a historic defense, contributing 6.5 sacks over two seasons. However, he wanted the chance to be a primary playmaker, leading him to transfer to Florida State for his final year. That decision proved transformative; he led the ACC with 12 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss, winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year and solidifying his status as a first-round lock.

MORE: Why Jets, Titans pulled off trade 

Jermaine Johnson stats

Johnson’s best statistical performance came in 2023, when he started all 17 games and earned a Pro Bowl selection. During that campaign, he recorded 7.5 sacks, 55 total tackles, and seven passes defended. He also showcased his playmaking ability by recording a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Browns.

His 2024 season was cut short after just two games due to a torn Achilles. However, he made a successful return to the field in 2025, appearing in 14 games and recording 3.0 sacks along with 43 total tackles.

MORE: Jets expected to move on from brother of Quinnen Williams in free agency

Jermaine Johnson awards

While his NFL hardware is still catching up to his collegiate pedigree, Johnson earned high-level recognition during his breakout 2023 campaign. He was selected to the Pro Bowl that season after leading a dominant Jets defense with career-high numbers in sacks and tackles.

His college accolades remain a significant part of his profile, as he was the 2021 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a First-team All-American at Florida State.

MORE: Jets trade rumor could lead to deal with Eagles or Texans

Jermaine Johnson career earnings

Per Spotrac, Johnson has accumulated $13,092,169 in career earnings through the end of the 2025 season. This total stems entirely from his initial rookie contract as a first-round pick.

However, that number is set to jump significantly; by joining the Titans via trade, he is playing under a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $13,411,000 for the 2026 season, which will more than double his career take-home pay by next year.

MORE: New York Jets could sign 1,000-yard receiver with ties to coaching staff in NFL free agency