Robert Saleh didn’t have to start from scratch when rebuilding the Tennessee Titans' defense. He brought in several players he already knew from the New York Jets, especially along the defensive front. That familiarity should help Tennessee install his system faster.
The Titans are spending $36.35 million in 2026 cap space on five former Jets who made the 53-man roster, per Over the Cap. That sounds like a major commitment, but the contracts tell a different story. Most of these players are short-term additions with clear exit points.
The Titans play against the Jets in Week 1. That has created a revenge-game narrative for Coach Saleh.
Five Tennessee Titans with something to prove against their old team, the New York Jets in Week 1
John Franklin-Myers, DT
Franklin-Myers is Tennessee’s real commitment: $42 million guaranteed on a three-year, $63 million deal. The 2028 math leaves the Titans an out—$21 million in savings against $4 million in dead money. Across his two seasons with Denver, he ranked seventh among interior linemen with 14.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. That production is why he feels like a long-term piece, not a rental.
Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE
Jermaine Johnson II carries a $13.41 million cap hit in 2026, his only year under contract with the Titans. He made the Pro Bowl in 2023 before an Achilles tear interrupted 2024. He returned with three sacks last year. The talent has never been the question. His health will decide whether the Titans want to keep him beyond 2026.
Jacob Martin, EDGE
Martin carries a $3.5 million cap hit in 2026 after producing eight sacks and 45 pressures for Washington in 2025. He is listed as a starting DE ahead of rookie Keldric Faulk. With no 2027 guarantees, the Titans could release him and save $4.5 million while taking $1 million in dead money.
Solomon Thomas, DT
Thomas carries a $2.47 million cap hit with no guaranteed money remaining. He spent three seasons with Saleh’s Jets before last season in Dallas, and the Titans acquired him in a seventh-round swap. Thomas told The Tennessean that Saleh’s firing “was so wrong.” The Titans aren’t paying much for Thomas, but Saleh knows exactly what he brings.
Tony Adams, S
Tony Adams carries a $2.02 million cap hit, with only $500,000 guaranteed. His one-year deal gives the Titans a reserve safety who knows Saleh’s terminology without creating any real future cap risk. He'll support starters Amani Hooker and Kevin Winston Jr. in a rotational role.
Titans HC Robert Saleh gets a big test against his former Jets
Sunday is a big game for Saleh. He gets to face his old team with a defense built around players who know his approach and a fresh chance to show what that group can do in Tennessee.
One game won’t decide whether these moves work, but a strong start would matter. If the Titans defense looks fast and connected against the Jets, Saleh’s familiar faces will have made an immediate difference.
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