The Tennessee Titans are showing defensive lineman Jeff Simmons the love again. This three-time Pro Bowler may be the safest member of the team as we close in on the trade deadline. According to sources, the Titans will not entertain trade packages for Simmons. Nevertheless, he is still an indispensable contributor for the team. Simmons, who celebrated his 28th birthday in September, has two years left on a four-year, $94 million extension he signed with the Grizzlies in Nov. 2023.
As the last player of a historically successful Titans’ state championship teams, Simmons is honored to be an exception. Those rosters led to consecutive AFC South championships in 2020 and 2021. His leadership, management, focus and performance have earned him accolades from across Metro’s organization. As defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson put it, Simmons was “our best player” and the key to the team’s heavy blitz scheme.
Unfortunately for Simmons and the Arizona Cardinals, his next game will be a postponed date against the Indianapolis Colts after suffering a hamstring injury. His absence will certainly be felt, but the Titans are still adamant about looking to get one more victory this week.
Interim head coach Mike McCoy reiterated the team’s focus moving forward. He was adamant that they are not looking down the road to future trades or game at this point.
“We’re not worrying about down the road,” – Mike McCoy
He added, “It’s about this week. That’s the No. 1 thing. Everything else will take care of itself down the road, but our focus right now is going to Indy and finding a way to win the game.”
It’s clear that Simmons is off their trading block. It does appear that the Titans are willing to engage in trade talks for other players, including Chig Okonkwo, Roger McCreary, and Arden Key. General Manager Chad Brinker has talked about how he wants Tennessee to get a minimum of 12 picks in the top 100 over the next three drafts. This strategy represents a clear sign of his commitment to roster management that works.
As the trade deadline nears on November 4, rumors and speculation run rampant about deals for secondary players. Simmons’ status as untouchable speaks to the Titans’ long-term plan for stockpiling talent and using it to build a competitive team around foundational pieces.
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