NFL analyst: Don't overreact to Titans' Jeffery Simmons new contract
· Yahoo Sports
Last week, the Tennessee Titans made defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons the first interior defensive lineman to earn a $100 million in guarantees as part of becoming the highest-paid DT in NFL history. The four-time Pro Bowler has dominated the interior line for several years, and while it's been for a team that sits at the bottom of the league, his dominance cannot go unnoticed.
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Even so, because the Titans have consistently been at the bottom of the league, people have questioned whether he is worth the money. In a recent article on NFL.com, lead draft writer Eric Edholm says not to overreact to Simmons' new deal. After saying how good Simmons was in 2025 and that viewing him as overpaid is shortsighted, Edholm writes:
Plus, Simmons feels like an excellent fit in Robert Saleh's defensive system, which emphasizes stopping the run first to help generate more pass-rush opportunities for his front four. We've seen elite talents such as DeForest Buckner and Quinnen Williams thrive under Saleh, playing some of the best football of their respective careers.
Simmons' salary won't look so pricey once Jalen Carter and other young defensive tackles get extended in the next year or so, and the Titans can afford it with Ward on a rookie contract. Saleh knows that Simmons is one of his defensive linchpins, and I think the four-time Pro Bowler will more than prove his worth in the coming years.
Simmons appeared in 15 games for the Titans in 2025 and recorded 67 tackles (39 solo), 17 tackles for a loss, 11 sacks, 21 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, three passes defensed, and a safety. He also caught a touchdown pass as part of a trick offensive play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13.
He's not just dominant on the defensive line, though. Off the field, Simmons embodies everything the Titans stand for and consistently gives back to the community in a variety of ways. The Titans don't just want to keep him because he is a menace on the field, although that certainly helps, but Simmons is a beloved member of the Nashville community.
Besides, Edholm is right. Next year, when other contract extensions are negotiated, Simmons likely won't be the highest-paid DT anymore.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL analyst: Don't overreact to Titans' Jeffery Simmons new contract