Jeffery Simmons Extension Proves Titans Still Have One of NFL’s Best Defensive Tackles
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Jeffery Simmons Extension Proves Titans Still Have One of NFL’s Best Defensive Tackles
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans Sep 14, 2025 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons 98 before the first half at Nissan Stadium. Nashville Nissan Stadium Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevexRobertsx 20250914_mcd_ra1_63
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans Sep 14, 2025 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons 98 before the first half at Nissan Stadium. Nashville Nissan Stadium Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevexRobertsx 20250914_mcd_ra1_63
With the Tennessee Titans having a promising young quarterback in Cam Ward, the front office is making sure to keep the veteran talent around. Among them is 28-year-old defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who signed a new contract on Friday afternoon.
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According to NFL insiders, Simmons will agree to a three-year contract extension worth $105.8 million, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. The deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money.
Why did he deserve the extension?
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NFL, American Football Herren, USA New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans Oct 19, 2025 Nashville, Tennessee, USA Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons 98 gestures before New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye 10 snaps the ball during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Nashville Nissan Stadium Tennessee USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xStevexRobertsx 20251019_jcd_ra1_0161
Simmons has been one of the more dominant interior defensive tackles we’ve seen in NFL history. Since being drafted by the Titans with the 19th pick in 2019, he has made the Pro Bowl four times and earned three All-Pro selections. His most recent selection was a First-Team honor. Simmons had a career-high 11 sacks in 2025 and recorded 64 total pressures with 42 run stops, according to PFF.
He led all interior defenders in pass rush grade with a 91.4 and finished among the NFL leaders in pass-rush win rate for defensive tackles. There’s no doubt he’s been one of the best. He’s an important leader in the Titans locker room, serving as team captain.
Tennessee has spent years trying to build around Simmons rather than trying to replace him. He has a rare combination of power, athleticism, and versatility for the defensive tackle position.
Where does he rank among NFL defensive tackles?
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NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 28: Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons 98 sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough 6 an causes a fumble during a game between the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints, December 28, 2025, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo by Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 28 Saints at Titans EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251228020
After the extension, Simmons is now the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL on a per-year basis. He’s taking home $35.3 million a year, with Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones making $31.75 million.
There’s no doubt Simmons is in the elite tier of defensive tackles, which includes Jones, Quinnen Williams, and Dexter Lawrence.
In terms of ranking them, a list would go something like this.
1. Jeffery Simmons
2. Chris Jones
3. Quinnen Williams
4. Dexter Lawrence
Simmons just earned the first-team All-Pro nod, so giving him the first slot feels right. With the Titans’ head coach, Robert Saleh, set to call defensive plays, expect Simmons to have a dominant season. His 2026 numbers may be even better than his 2025 output of 67 tackles, with a career high of 17 tackles for loss.
The bottom line is the Titans didn’t give Simmons an extension because he’s popular. They gave him one because elite defensive tackles are franchise cornerstones. After having 11 sacks, leading interior defenders in advanced pass-rushing metrics, and earning First-Team All-Pro honors, Simmons has established himself as one of the two or three best defensive tackles in football.
