Jermaine Johnson II: Career, Salary & Latest NFL News
Jermaine Johnson II has been traded from the New York Jets to the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster 2026 NFL move involving defensive tackle Tvondre Sweat.
The former first-round pick and Pro Bowl defensive end now joins Tennessee after emerging as one of the Jets’ most disruptive edge rushers. Here’s everything you need to know — from the trade details and contract to his Last Chance U journey and on-field impact.
- Position: Defensive End (Edge Rusher)
- Drafted: 1st Round, 2022 NFL Draft (No. 26 overall)
- Former Team: New York Jets
- New Team (2026): Tennessee Titans
- College: Florida State University
- Pro Bowl: Yes
- Notable Background: Featured on Last Chance U
Why Jermaine Johnson Is Trending Right Now
Search intent is news-driven + informational + contract-based following confirmed reports from:
- NFL
- ESPN
- New York Post
Multiple outlets report the Jets are trading Johnson to the Titans for defensive tackle Tvondre Sweat, reshaping both defensive fronts heading into the 2026 season.
This spike in searches includes:
- “Jermaine Johnson trade”
- “Jermaine Johnson Titans”
- “Jermaine Johnson contract”
- “Is Jermaine Johnson good?”
- “What happened to Jermaine Johnson from Last Chance U?”
Trade Details: Jets to Titans (2026)
According to reports from ESPN and NFL, the Jets traded Jermaine Johnson II to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle Tvondre Sweat.
Why This Trade Matters
For the Titans:
- Gain an established Pro Bowl edge rusher
- Add pass-rush production immediately
- Improve defensive pressure rate
For the Jets:
- Address interior defensive needs
- Reallocate cap flexibility
- Shift defensive scheme focus
This move signals a defensive identity change for both franchises.
Is Jermaine Johnson a Good Football Player?
Short answer: Yes — and statistically proven.
According to data from Pro-Football-Reference and Pro Football Focus:
Career Strengths
- Explosive first step
- Strong edge containment
- Run-defense reliability
- Consistent QB pressure generation
Johnson developed into a high-impact defender, particularly during his breakout Pro Bowl season with the Jets.
Jermaine Johnson Stats & Career Overview
College: Florida State Seminoles
NFL Draft: 2022, Round 1
At Florida State, Johnson led the ACC in sacks and became one of the top defensive prospects entering the draft.
In the NFL, he:
- Recorded multiple double-digit sack seasons (combined pressure metrics)
- Became a defensive cornerstone for the Jets
- Earned league recognition as an ascending edge defender
For full stat breakdowns, see:
- Pro-Football-Reference
- ESPN player profile
- NFL official page
Contract & Salary: How Much Does Jermaine Johnson Make?
As a first-round draft pick in 2022, Johnson signed a standard rookie contract structured under the NFL rookie wage scale.
Typical first-round defensive end contracts include:
- 4-year fully guaranteed deals
- Fifth-year team option
- Multi-million annual cap value
Contract specifics are tracked on:
- ESPN contract databases
- Pro-Football-Reference
With the trade, cap implications will shift to the Titans’ books moving forward.
What Happened to Jermaine Johnson from Last Chance U?
Before NFL fame, Johnson appeared on the Netflix series Last Chance U, which followed junior college football players seeking Division I opportunities.
His journey:
- Junior college standout
- Transfer to Georgia
- Breakout season at Florida State
- First-round NFL Draft selection
His story is considered one of the most successful transitions from the series to NFL stardom.
Playing Style Breakdown
Strengths
- Elite burst off the snap
- Strong hands and leverage
- High motor pursuit
- Versatility in 4–3 and 3–4 schemes
Areas of Growth
- Consistency in finishing pressures
- Counter-move expansion
With Tennessee’s defensive scheme, his edge-rushing opportunities could increase further.
Jermaine Johnson vs Other Elite Edge Rushers
| Category | Jermaine Johnson II | Typical Top-10 Edge |
| Draft Status | 1st Round | 1st Round |
| Pro Bowl | Yes | Often |
| Scheme Fit | Versatile | Scheme-dependent |
| Run Defense | Strong | Varies |
| Trade Value | High | Elite-tier |
Johnson’s combination of athleticism and development trajectory makes him one of the more valuable defensive ends under 30.
Why the Titans Made the Move
The Tennessee Titans needed:
- Pass rush consistency
- Defensive identity reset
- Proven production
Acquiring Johnson addresses all three.
FAQ
What happened to Jermaine Johnson?
He was traded from the New York Jets to the Tennessee Titans in 2026 in exchange for defensive tackle Tvondre Sweat.
Is Jermaine Johnson a good player?
Yes. He is a former first-round pick, Pro Bowl defensive end, and consistent pressure generator.
What show was Jermaine Johnson on?
He appeared on Netflix’s Last Chance U before transferring to Florida State.
How much does Jermaine Johnson make?
He signed a multi-year rookie contract as a first-round pick. Specific salary figures vary by season and cap adjustments.
What college did Jermaine Johnson attend?
He finished his college career at Florida State University.
