NASHVILLE – The Titans traded for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson this offseason to help change the look of the defense.
Johnson, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, isn't looking for anyone to hype him up.
He wants to let his play speak for itself.
"No hype, just give me my helmet," Johnson said. "I just want to go play football and I want to be myself and be the player I know I am. I don't really care about potential talk any more. I've got to go do something this year and I believe I am top five, top 10 at my position in the NFL, but that's not the case statistically and I have to go change that this year."
Johnson, traded to from the Jets to the Titans in exchange for defensive lineman T'Vondre Sweat, believes he's in the perfect spot in Tennessee.
The 26th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Johnson was a Pro Bowl performer with the Jets in 2023, when he posted a career-high 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles while starting all 17 games. Johnson's 2024 season ended at Nissan Stadium on that September 15 day when he tore an Achilles in Week 2.
Johnson had three sacks in 2025, along with 43 tackles and six quarterback hits.
He has big expectations for this season, when he's hoping to be in the 10-12 sack range while being a game-changer in the run game.
"I want to be feared in the run game," Johnson said. "I have to be feared in the run game."
Because of the tenacity, effort, talent, passion, and violence he plays with, Johnson said "I was made for this defense, and this defense was made for me."
In 47 games over four seasons with the Jets, Johnson has tallied 131 tackles, 13 sacks, 27 quarterback hits and 20 tackles for a loss.
He wants to make an impact in Tennessee, with familiar faces around him.
"I am on fire right now, I feel great," he said. "In another week I'll be ready for the season. I feel ready now, but the best way to get into shape for football is to play football. I feel great right now, and I know in another week I'll feel even better."
