The Tennessee Titans are entering a pivotal offseason under new head coach Robert Saleh, and one thing is crystal clear: they need to get better off the edge. General manager Mike Borgonzi has emphasized the importance of winning in the trenches, and while the Titans showed flashes of that late in the year-especially with a much-improved offensive line and a stout interior defensive front-they're still missing a key ingredient: consistent pressure off the edge.
The Titans’ defensive interior is already one of the strongest units in the league. But if this team is serious about building a front that can consistently dictate games, they’ll need to invest heavily at EDGE. That’s not a luxury-it’s a necessity.
Right now, most mock drafts have Tennessee using the No. 4 overall pick on one of the top three edge rushers in this year’s class: Arvell Reese, David Bailey, or Rueben Bain. That makes sense.
All three bring elite traits and could be plug-and-play starters. But even if the Titans land one of them, the job’s not done.
Arden Key and Jihad Ward are both set to hit free agency, and there’s no indication that Femi Oladejo is ready to take on a full-time starting role. That leaves a major hole opposite whoever they draft.
This is where things get interesting-and where Saleh’s history might come into play.
A potential trade target who fits both the scheme and the need? Jermaine Johnson.
Johnson’s name was swirling around trade rumors ahead of the 2025 NFL deadline, with reports suggesting the Jets were at least entertaining offers. While there were whispers of a second-round pick being turned down, that seems like a stretch-especially considering how open the Jets were to moving big names like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams as they reshaped their roster.
Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and with the Jets still deep in rebuild mode, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back on the trade block this offseason. For the Titans, this could be a low-risk, high-upside move-especially given Johnson’s connection to Saleh.
Remember, Johnson was a first-round pick by the Jets when Saleh was still calling the shots in New York. During their two seasons together, Johnson put up solid numbers: 84 tackles, 21 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. He was a steady contributor and showed flashes of becoming a true difference-maker off the edge.
After Saleh’s departure, Johnson’s production dipped. In his lone season under a new coaching staff, he managed just 43 tackles, six QB hits, five tackles for loss, and three sacks. That drop-off might speak more to the change in scheme and usage than any decline in talent.
For Tennessee, the key is price. Giving up a second-round pick would be a hard sell.
But if the Jets are willing to deal Johnson for a Day 3 pick? That’s a move worth making.
It gives Saleh a familiar face and a player he’s already coached up. If Johnson clicks in Tennessee, you’ve got a potential long-term starter who knows the system.
If not, you let him walk and potentially net a compensatory pick in 2027. It's a win-win scenario.
This offseason is going to be all about building the identity Saleh wants in Nashville-tough, physical, and relentless in the trenches. Bringing in a guy like Johnson, especially if paired with a top rookie EDGE, could give the Titans the kind of pass-rushing tandem that turns a good defense into a great one.
The Titans have made strides, but there’s still work to do. And if they want to take that next step, finding answers on the edge has to be at the top of the list.