Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi intends to sign veteran free agent defensive end John Franklin-Myers to a massive three-year contract. Superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons understandably could not contain his excitement. Simmons posted a cryptic message on social media minutes before the Franklin-Myers news hit the timeline.
Simmons took to Twitter/X to post a shrewd "eyeball emoji" tweet. Minutes later, news of Franklin-Myers' $63 million agreement with the Titans broke. It's safe to assume Simmons is excited about getting his new pass-rushing teammate to Nashville.
Titans DT Jeffery Simmons posts one-emoji reaction to John Franklin-Myers signing news
👀
— Jeffery Simmons (@GrindSimmons94) March 9, 2026
Franklin-Myers is a huge addition to the Titans' defensive line. He previously played for three coaches on the Titans' staff, including head coach Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. That history should allow Franklin-Myers to hit the ground running in a scheme that'll be familiar to him.
Tennessee's defensive line entered the offseason looking pretty bare. Then they traded nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive end Jermaine Johnson II. Johnson is another player who has a past with Coach Saleh and Whitecotton. You're seeing an emerging theme.
Johnson and Simmons spent the last few weeks attempting to recruit Franklin-Myers to Nashville. Their efforts were successful. Coach Saleh has obviously had a ton of say over the reimagining of Tennessee's defensive line. It sure feels like he hand-picked Franklin-Myers and Johnson to pair with Simmons, the All-Pro defensive tackle he inherited.
Simmons didn't have enough help on the Titans' lackluster defensive line throughout 2025. Borgonzi and Saleh are currently ensuring that definitely won't be the case in 2026, with a heavy focus being placed on improving defense throughout free agency. Simmons still turned in an All-Pro season, and now he'll have assistance from upgrades like Franklin-Myers.
You can't blame Simmons for being excited.