The Tennessee Titans pulled a stunner on Thursday, trading defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets in exchange for EDGE Jermaine Johnson II. The Titans had a need at EDGE, and they've partially addressed it by acquiring Johnson, who previously played for head coach Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. However, Sweat's departure creates a new hole at d-tackle next to Jeffery Simmons.
Simmons is now the only starting-caliber player under contract for the Titans at defensive tackle. Sebastian Joseph-Day and James Lynch are both on expiring deals. The Titans should have interest in re-signing both players, but nothing is guaranteed in free agency.
Borgonzi is now slated to enter free agency needing to address his interior defensive line. Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers exists as the pitch-perfect fit. Sweat's departure could further convince Borgonzi to chase Franklin-Myers in free agency.
T'Vondre Sweat trade creates bigger need for Titans to pursue John Franklin-Myers
The Titans are still expected to consider selecting an EDGE at No. 4 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Defensive tackle should be a position Borgonzi has earmarked to address via free agency. Franklin-Myers is such a natural fit.
Titans fans had been discussing the potential fit between the team and Franklin-Myers even prior to the Sweat trade. Franklin-Myers even commented on a social media page about possibly reuniting with several former Jets coaches who are now on the Titans' staff. The newly-created hole at defensive tackle simply adds fuel to an already existing fire.
Franklin-Myers possesses a well-balanced skill set. He's capable of playing outside on early downs before reducing inside on pass-rushing downs. Franklin-Myers wouldn't be a like-for-like replacement for Sweat, but the Titans may not possess interest in an exact replica, given the prior questions about Sweat's fit in Saleh's scheme.
Franklin-Myers previously produced 14.5 sacks while playing for Saleh and Whitecotton in East Rutherford. He's a consistent pass rusher who qualifies as an easy fit in Tennessee's new defensive scheme. Trading Sweat left Simmons without a running mate. It also strengthened the likelihood that we see the Titans pursue Franklin-Myers in free agency.