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The Tennessee Titans have rolled the dice on several offseason acquisitions this year, both on the field and the sidelines, which places a much greater importance on the established star who is on the roster. Management understands as much and is making Jeffery Simmons the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history.
The First-Team All-Pro and two-time Second-Team All-Pro is signing a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension with an eye-popping $100 million guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. In a sea of unpredictability, the Titans are making sure their anchor is happy heading into the 2026-27 season, and beyond.
Tennessee is asking Simmons to brave a rebuild under new head coach Robert Saleh and developing quarterback Cam Ward, so substantial reimbursement was to be expected. Some fans will reasonably question if it is wise for the organization to spend a big chunk of coin on one player following a four-year stretch in which the team has gone 19-49.
How does the saying go? “Tennessee can finish last place without Simmons.” There is an important counterpoint to that argument, however, and it is precisely why the Titans backed up the Brink’s truck for the soon-to-be 29-year-old.
If this team can quickly make headway in Year two of the Ward era, then it could compete in an uncertain AFC South moving forward, and if so, then an exceptionally versatile DT will be incredibly valuable.
Jeffery Simmons registered 11 sacks in just 15 games last season — a rarity at the position — while also providing sufficient support on run defense. A 13.1 percent missed tackle rate offers room for improvement, but the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder remains an intimidating presence on the defensive line.
Apart from the high-end production they expect, the Titans are also paying Simmons to bring stability to this ongoing reconstruction project.
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