One of the biggest decisions the Tennessee Titans will have to make this offseason has to do with star defensive lineman, Jeffery Simmons.
No, Simmons isn’t a free agent in 2023, but he is entering the final year of his rookie contract that pays him $10.7 million, which is far lower than what he would be making in a new deal.
On Monday, Simmons didn’t say he would definitely sit out without a new contract, but he did say he’d prefer to have one in place before taking the field in 2023. He also made it clear he wants to stay in Nashville.
“I want to be here for a long time,” Simmons said. “I want to finish my career here. If we can get a deal done this offseason, I hope that’s the plan on both sides. I don’t want to get into next year then something happens with the contract or we get into the offseason and I hit free agency.
“I love Tennessee. I want to be here. I’m sure they know that.”
It’s anyone’s guess if Simmons would actually hold out should the two sides not come to an agreement at some point before the voluntary portion of the offseason program, but it can’t be ruled out.
What we do know is the Titans cannot handle it the way they did with A.J. Brown, who the team failed to exercise enough patience with. Thankfully, the man seemingly most responsible for that, Jon Robinson, is no longer here.
As far as what Simmons can expect in a new deal, he’ll likely fall short of Aaron Donald’s $31.6 million average, but he’ll certainly top DeForest Buckner’s $21 million, which ranks second in the NFL.
Within reason, of course, the Titans have to make sure Big Jeff stays in Nashville for the long haul. This CANNOT turn into another A.J. Brown situation.
