Jeffery Simmons has been a hot-button topic for Tennessee Titans fans this offseason.
You can argue about whether or not he is an elite defensive tackle or whether he consistently acts like a team leader. However, you can't debate his impact when he is on the field, and there are signs pointing toward this being a big season for Simmons.
At Tuesday's mandatory minicamp practice, Simmons confirmed he's roughly 20 pounds lighter than he was a season ago.
.@GrindSimmons94 on his decision to work out on own up until this point. He’s back for @Titans minicamp and said he’s 20 pounds lighter pic.twitter.com/HgfTncr5bX
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) June 10, 2025
Weeks ago, Simmons made comments about turning quarterback pressures into sacks this season, and Brian Callahan echoed those sentiments, confirming coach and player are on the same page.
With T'Vondre Sweat and Keondre Coburn both weighing 330-plus pounds, the Titans have their big-bodied space eaters, but this team is desperate for pass-rush help. A lighter Simmons who is on he warpath to sack the quarterback more this season would be a nice boost to Dennard Wilson's unit.
It took less than one practice for Simmons to show off the results of his hard work, because he beat high-priced left tackle Dan Moore Jr. for a sack in team period, per reporters in attendance.
What happened after the sack is just as important as the sack itself. After Simmons made the play, he did what he does best, trash-talking the offense and rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Then Ward, who isn't one to back down, snapped right back at the star defensive tackle.
Ward ultimately finished the day 20-of-21, proving he can handle what happens after the whistle in the NFL without letting it negatively impact his performance.
That may not seem like much now, but it is that back-and-forth that builds chemistry, camaraderie, respect, and trust on a football team.
Simmons showed up in better shape, proving that he's committed to the Titans after skipping voluntary OTAs. Then, he took his off-the-field preparation and turned it into production by "sacking" Ward. Finally, he and Ward bantered back and forth to make practice more spirited and engaging, while also giving the rookie QB a chance to prove he's the guy everyone thinks he is.
Simmons made a huge impact in a relatively short practice, and that is why fans should be very optimistic about a big season coming from one of the team's most veteran and decorated players.