As NFL trade rumors and buzz loom with weeks away from the Nov. 10 deadline, the Tennessee Titans are projected to trade former New York Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson after just half a season. Johnson, a former first-round pick, was acquired via a trade in which the Titans sent defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the Jets. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler , the pass-rusher could be rented for a contender this season alongside other notable defensive names, including Khalil Mack, Will McDonald and Josh Sweat. Last season, the defensive star finished with 43 tackles (22 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and two passes defensed across 14 appearances.
The Titans hoped to turn their season around this year, but sit at 0-4. Tennessee is expected to tank its 2026 campaign, qualifying it to start a fire sale. The defensive star reunited with Titans head coach Robert Saleh, but that has completely fallen apart. Now, it wouldn't be surprising if a trade request looms, especially if the Titans lose more matchups.
Oct 12, 2025; Tottenham, United Kingdom; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is pressured by New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (11) during an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Unfortunately, the Titans don't have a choice but to rebuild. QB Cam Ward will likely be benched, and it'd be pointless to keep Johnson. While the Titans aren't shopping the defensive star, they could make him available after Week 5.
Entering the final year of his contract, the pass-rusher is easily tradeable. Now, is it worth extending him this offseason?
That'll be up to Saleh if he's still the head coach ahead of the trade deadline. Even though he hasn't made a big defensive impact, he's still a powerful star playmaker in the right situation. Three teams could be willing to give up a future 2027 first-round pick for the pass-rusher, motivating the Titans to move him again.
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Jake Brendel (64) blocks against New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (11) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has teased he's not done making defensive trades. The Cowboys traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. last week, but have not added a blockbuster defensive star despite coming close to acquiring Maxx Crosby. Josh Sweat was linked to Dallas, but the Cowboys may look for a more friendly rookie contract, and might have found it in Johnson.
Dallas signed Von Miller in August and may target Bobby Wagner, but the current Titans pass-rusher is the clear, obvious solution. He's young, versatile, and can break through offensive linemen, while Dallas could trade veteran DT Kenny Clark and a third-round pick.
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers have heavily invested in their defensive unit, signing Jaelan Philips and Devin Lloyd this past offseason. Although they lost Nic Scourton, they signed Bobby Okereke as a replacement. However, there's always room for growth. Okereke is on a one-year deal; Johnson is the favorite to be the long-term solution.
He won't replace Scourton, but it'd give a huge boost behind Patrick Jones in time for the upcoming postseason on a rental basis.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the Baltimore Ravens in the mix. In fact, the Ravens intended to have Crosby and Trey Hendrickson on the same roster this season. With Teddy Buchanan needing help, especially after the team lost Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, Johnson could be the answer. Roquan Smith leads the linebacker group, but why not get another star like the former Jets star, especially with Lamar Jackson expected to miss time?
