The New York Jets pulled off a big trade recently when they agreed to a player-for-player swap with the Tennessee Titans.
The trade saw the Jets unload edge rusher Jermaine Johnson for defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat, who will now take the nose tackle spot on New York’s 3-4 defense.
Sweat’s talent is undeniable. In 2025, he ranked 19th and fourth among interior defensive lineman in Pro Football Focus pass-rush and run-defense grades. He’s exactly what the Jets needed up the middle.
But, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, there are some work ethic concerns with the former second-round pick out of Texas.
Hughes reports that, while Sweat is listed at 366 pounds, his weight has been close to 400 pounds at times during his stint in Tennessee.
Hughes adds that sources who coached Sweat in Tennessee noted that there were “questions about conditioning and practice habits.”
The Jets were well-aware of these issues before trading for Sweat but are hoping things will change in New York.
“Sweat is listed at 366 pounds, though his weight reportedly approached 400 at times in Tennessee,” Hughes reported. “Sources who coached him there cited questions about conditioning and practice habits.”
Evaluators emphasized the issue is not talent, but consistency and approach. The Jets are hopeful a change of scenery and the guidance of veteran defensive line coach Karl Dunbar will help unlock his potential,” he added.
This is obviously troubling news.
A player like Sweat needs a strong culture around him, but the jury is still very much out on what the culture in New York actually is.
If head coach Aaron Glenn isn’t able to establish a strong one, that makes it far more likely Sweat will step out of line.
That said, it was still worth it to take a swing on Sweat.
After all he’s still just 24 years old, has two years left on his contract, and the guy the Jets traded for him wasn’t expected to be with the franchise for the long haul and was in the final year of his contract.
If the Jets can keep Sweat on the right track in New York, they could have themselves an elite nose tackle for at least the next two seasons.
