The Tennessee Titans allowed head coach Robert Saleh to revamp the defensive line in his vision this offseason. The first notable move made was to trade for one of his former players. The Titans sent T'Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II before free agency even opened.
Johnson was one of Saleh's first-round picks when he coached the Jets. Naturally, he immediately stepped into Tennessee's starting lineup on the edge. The rest of the line is also littered with ex-Saleh players, including John Franklin-Myers, Jacob Martin, and Solomon Thomas.
Johnson made his Titans debut in Week 1. The former Florida State standout was totally invisible in an embarrassing 23-10 loss to the Jets. Unless Johnson's play significantly improves, it won't take Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi long to regret his offseason trade.
Tennessee Titans EDGE Jermaine Johnson II looks like an offseason dud in Week 1
It's already a make-or-break season for Johnson. He's on an expiring contract after the Titans inherited his previously exercised fifth-year option in the trade with the Jets. Unless Johnson plays better, he'll be one-and-done in Tennessee.
Johnson recorded an effective 7.5 sacks as a sophomore in 2023. He unfortunately suffered a brutal torn Achilles injury in 2024. Johnson returned to the field in 2025 as a far less impactful version of himself.
Unfortunately, Johnson's Week 1 showing was a continuation of his brutal 2025 season. Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with one quarterback pressure. He earned a lackluster grade of 41.8 as a pass rusher, and his overall defensive score of 44.6 wasn't much better.
The Titans did not sack or even bother Jets quarterback Geno Smith. The Jets' rushing attack ran the football down the Titans' throats at will. Johnson was a weakness both as a pass rusher and run stopper.
The Titans traded a promising young talent in Sweat for Johnson. They were allegedly dissatisfied with Sweat's character, injury issues, and his fit in Saleh's new scheme. Getting Johnson back, especially for potentially just one season, would mean the Titans failed to receive adequate value in the trade.
Johnson needs to be significantly better versus the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. The veteran pass rusher was acquired partially because he's comfortable in Saleh's scheme. That familiarity doesn't matter if Johnson isn't an effective player.
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