2026 NFL trade grades: Jermaine Johnson, T'Vondre Sweat - ESPN

ESPN

by Seth Walder

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The 2026 NFL offseason kicked off with a significant move as the New York Jets traded edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat. ESPN analytics writer Seth Walder graded the trade, awarding the Jets an A- and the Titans a C-. This deal highlights the Jets' strategic approach to improving their roster while managing their salary cap effectively. Johnson, a former first-round pick, had inconsistent performance during his time with the Jets, despite a strong 2023 season under Titans head coach Robert Saleh. His pass-rushing metrics were below average, with a career pass rush win rate of just 8.4%. In contrast, Sweat, a 2024 second-round pick, has proven to be a reliable nose tackle for the Titans, contributing to their run defense and providing a decent pass rush from the interior. Financially, the trade favors the Jets, as Johnson is set to earn $13.4 million in 2026 under his fifth-year option, while Sweat will only cost the team $1.6 million and $2.1 million over the next two years. This move not only addresses a need for defensive depth but also positions the Jets to have more financial flexibility for future roster adjustments. For the Titans, acquiring Johnson aims to bolster their edge rushing unit, but questions remain about whether his declining performance justifies the cost. Meanwhile, the Jets' focus on youth and long-term value through Sweat solidifies their commitment to building a competitive team both now and in the future. This trade underscores the importance of strategic roster management and highlights how teams are approaching the 2026 season with an eye on improving their chances of success.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026