In their first major move of the offseason, the New York Jets have shipped defensive end Jermaine Johnson off to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for massive nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat. Johnson, a former first-round pick and true fan favorite, will be reunited with Robert Saleh who now has the head coaching job for the Titans.
By adding T’Vondre Sweat, the Jets bring in a 350+ pound nose tackle who has not disappointed since entering the league two years ago out of the University of Texas as a second-round pick.
Graded by the folks at PFF at 83.4 for his overall grade, and 79.3 against the run. That’s where the Jets hope he’ll pay off most as their defense was consistently steamrolled by opposing running backs last season. The deal also appears to answer one very important question for the Jets this offseason.
By adding T’Vondre Sweat and moving on from Jermaine Johnson, one would assume Gang Green will be shifting to a 3-4 base defense. That’s not to say Sweat couldn’t dominate in a 4-3, but this is the perfect first move a team would make if they were looking to add a true space eater to anchor a 3-4.
The move may also give us some idea as to what Gang Green will look to do in the draft, as any undersized defensive ends may not be in the picture while the priority on adding bigger linebackers and ends comes in to focus.
Making the switch from Johnson to Sweat will also add roughly $10 million in cap space for the Jets as free agency approaches.
