Jeffery Simmons' anger over T'Vondre Sweat trade shows Jets made the right move

The New York Jets have made overhauling their defensive line a top priority during the 2026 offseason, and perhaps no move exemplified the direction Aaron Glenn wants to move in more than the decision to trade former first-round pick Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat.

The decision came as a bit of a shock for Titans and Jets fans, as Sweat has proven to be one of the more effective run-stuffing defensive tackles in the league over his first two seasons thanks ot his mammoth 360-pound frame. Titans All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons couldn't believe it when the Jets made this move.

In an appearance on CBS Sports' Offseason Playbook with former Jets DL Leger Douzable, Simmons said he was so stunned by the trade that he called Titans GM Mike Borgonzi to ask for an explanation. Simmons is very optimistic when asked what he thinks Sweat can do in New York.

Simmons said that Sweat could be "the best nose tackle in football" due to his immense potential, which is why he got the former Longhorn product hooked up with one of his personal trainers. Simmons declared, "I hate it" when asked about the move, which could be a good sign that the Jets landed an impact player.

Jeffery Simmons is still upset Jets traded for T'Vondre Sweat

The Titans traded Sweat for two main reasons. On top of the fact that a pure nose tackle was not considered a great fit for Robert Saleh's 4-down defense that prioritizes smaller, quicker linemen, some around the Titans were worried about Sweat's work ethic and game-to-game consistency.

The Jets seem willing and able to take this challenge on. Sweat's 83.4 Pro Football Focus grade ranked fifth among all defensive linemen last season, so the raw talent is there.

Let's say the Jets still struggle to get Sweat playing at a high level for more than 50% of snaps. They have the depth to overcome that. David Onyemata and Harrison Phillips (the latter of whom has already become a mentor for Sweat) are two grizzled greybeard run-stuffers, Jowon Briggs was dynamite to end the 2025 season, and rookie Darrell Jackson Jr. has oodles of potential.

If the Jets get more consistency out of Sweat, and if Johnson proves to be more like his 2025 form than what he showcased pre-Achilles injury, this could be one of the best moves Darren Mougey has made.

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