The Tennessee Titans are at a point in their rebuild where just about everyone who's expected to contribute in 2026 is also going to be expected to contribute in 2027 and 2028. Long-term contract flexibility isn't a concern right now. With the exception of running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, all of the Titans' projected starters on offense are under contract through at least 2027. The same's true over on defense, with the exception of defensive end Jermaine Johnson II, who's on the final year of the rookie contract he signed with the New York Jets that the Titans inherited after trading for Johnson in February. Johnson, who began his career playing for Titans coach Robert Saleh when Saleh led the Jets, told reporters on Aug. 17 that he's not focused on joining the rest of his unit in the realm of those with long-term security. "Guys, myself included, when anybody starts focusing on stuff like that, you forget what’s going to eventually get you that, which is being focused on the main thing and being the best," Johnson said. "A lot of times it’s putting your standard on tape over and over and over again, and you’re not going to do that if you’re focused on the wrong thing."
The Titans acquired Johnson in a player-for-player trade during the NFL Scouting Combine, sending off nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat in the process. As a former Pro Bowler who knows Saleh's scheme well, Johnson's stepped in as an unquestioned top option in a Titans pass rush room that is almost exclusively composed of veterans brought in this offseason (Johnson, Jacob Martin, Malik Herring) and high-upside developmental young prospects (Keldric Faulk, Oluwafemi Oladejo). Johnson grew up in Minnesota but played the bulk of his college ball at Georgia and Florida State before turning pro. The transition to life back in the Southeast is treating Johnson well, even if he's not allowing himself to consider the possibility of turning this into a new home. "I love the South. I love the Titans. I love the Titans," Johnson said. "I love everything that I’ve experienced thus far and I know my family has as well. But my job is to be the best teammate and the best Jermaine Johnson I can this year." Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on X @nicksuss. Subscribe to the Talkin’ Titans newsletter for updates sent directly to your inbox. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: The only starter on Titans D who's hitting free agency talks contract