TEN Jeffery Simmons
NFL defensive tackle. Position: DT. Team: Tennessee Titans.
Quick Facts
- Position: DT
- Team: Tennessee Titans (TEN)
- Status: Four-time Pro Bowler, All-Pro
2026 Outlook
All-Pro defensive tackle entering 2026 under new defensive scheme from HC Robert Saleh. Recorded career-best 11 sacks in 2025. New system emphasizes aggression and attacking rather than relying on technique and double-team management—a fit for Simmons' play style. Planned rotation limiting him to 60% of snaps to keep him fresh for late-game situations. Right elbow cleaned up in offseason after years of bracing issues. (per A 'nasty' new front in Tennessee)
Signed $105.9M extension with Titans on June 19, 2026 ($35.3M per year over three years with $100M guaranteed), making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. The four-time Pro Bowler led all DTs with 11 sacks in 2025 along with 39 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 60 quarterback pressures. Extension locks Simmons through 2030 and secures him as Tennessee's defensive cornerstone as the franchise rebuilds (per 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Chargers Adjusting QB Justin Herbert's Footwork).
Rankings context (July 9): ESPN's 2026 defensive tackle rankings list Simmons at #2, though analyst consensus among league executives suggests he is the best DT in the NFL. He outranks Leonard Williams despite being ranked second on ESPN's list, reflecting some outlet disagreement on his elite status (per It's NFL list season! See where Titans players rank).
Training camp validation (July 30): Simmons is enthusiastic about Saleh's new defensive scheme heading into camp, calling it "faster" and describing the overall style of play as "fast and violent." Having trained with new edge acquisition John Franklin-Myers during the offseason, Simmons expresses confidence in the defensive line's ability to execute the aggressive scheme (per Titans defenders up front like team's fast and physical new scheme).
Role / Depth Chart
Starter at defensive tackle. Defensive line rotation planned: Simmons will get ~60% of snaps with fresh linemen rotations to stay sharp late in games.
Injury Status
Right elbow surgery completed in offseason. Previously unable to straighten arm fully for 2.5 years; no longer an issue entering 2026.
Recent News
- 2026-07-31 — NFL's top five defensive tackles in 2026: Jeffery Simmons at No. 1; what about Aaron... (NFL's top five defensive tackles in 2026: Jeffery Simmons at No. 1; what about Aaron...)
- 2026-07-14 — 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Stefon Diggs Talking To 5 Teams? (2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Stefon Diggs Talking To 5 Teams?)
- 2026-07-10 — Titans to curtail Jeffery Simmons' snaps to keep star DT fresh for key moments (Titans to curtail Jeffery Simmons' snaps to keep star DT fresh for key moments)
- 2026-06-17 — Titans lineman Jeffery Simmons excited about new defensive scheme (Titans lineman Jeffery Simmons excited about new defensive scheme)
- 2026-03-09 — Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL... (Tennessee Titans free agency tracker live updates, free agent signings, top NFL...)
- 2026-04-20 — 2026 NFL mock draft: Jordan Reid's predictions for 257 picks (2026 NFL mock draft: Jordan Reid's predictions for 257 picks)
- 2026-06-21 — Titans make Jeffery Simmons highest-paid DT in NFL history (Titans make Jeffery Simmons highest-paid DT in NFL history)
- 2026-06-18 — 2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Last spring practices wrap up (2026 NFL minicamp live updates: Last spring practices wrap up)
- 2026-06-18 — 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Chargers Adjusting QB Justin Herbert's Footwork (2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Chargers Adjusting QB Justin Herbert's Footwork)
- 2026-06-20 — 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Titans Sign Jeffery Simmons To Record Deal (2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Titans Sign Jeffery Simmons To Record Deal)