The Tennessee Titans have been sellers at two consecutive NFL trade deadlines, dealing veterans in exchange for draft capital. Currently nursing an 0-5 record, they'll probably be sellers again at this year's Nov. 10 deadline. That could be notable for superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
The Titans are currently slated to possess the No. 1 overall selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. This painfully slow roster rebuild appears nowhere near complete. At some point, will they consider trading Simmons, their best player, in an attempt to accelerate the process?
We're not necessarily advocating for the Titans to trade Simmons. As the losses continue mounting though, discussing the possibility is a conversation worth having. Surely, competitive NFL teams will inquire about Simmons' availability before the deadline.
Should the Titans consider trading DT Jeffery Simmons?
Since Borgonzi became GM, the Titans have been steadfast in their messaging that Simmons isn't available for trade. They backed up their public opinion by signing him to a historic three-year, $105.8 million extension this past June. Borgonzi has always claimed Simmons epitomizes everything about being a Titan.
Simmons turned 29 in July and hasn't sniffed a postseason appearance since 2021. It's fair to question how impactful Simmons will still be when the Titans finally complete this rebuild. It's worth remembering the Cleveland Browns traded a better pass rusher in Myles Garrett this previous offseason for similar reasons outlined here.
The Browns received three premium picks (a first, second, and third) and a terrific young player in Jared Verse in exchange for Garrett. The Titans would certainly receive a first-round selection back for Simmons, and probably additional picks. That's the rough-looking package the Titans would weigh versus trading Simmons.
More draft capital doesn't guarantee success for Titans
Possessing early-round draft capital is the fastest, most straightforward way to complete a rebuild. It's also worth acknowledging it doesn't guarantee progress. The Titans haven't improved despite making three consecutive top-7 selections. Whatever pick(s) they receive for Simmons wouldn't be in the range they took JC Latham, Cam Ward, and Carnell Tate.
Draft picks also function as a mystery box. The Titans would possibly be trading an excellent player in Simmons for a future bust. Think A.J. Brown for Treylon Burks. The Titans are all-too familiar that an outcome like that one is within the realm of possibility (though Simmons' age now versus Brown's age then doesn't make it an apples-to-apples comparison).
The Titans would also be losing proven leadership and mentorship in the locker room. They're not exactly rich enough in that department to consider parting with a four-time Pro Bowler and the most nationally recognizable player on the roster. If the Titans keep losing, we'll monitor how realistic a potential Simmons trade becomes.
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