The Tennessee Titans traded superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. That created a huge need at the position. In response, the team claimed Jonah Laulu off waivers.
The defense had been undergoing changes even prior to the Simmons trade. They also released Jordan Elliott following an alleged incident at the facility. As one of the team's better run-stuffing defenders, Elliott performed a thankless job.
Before Elliott's incident, the Titans allowed 114 rushing yards per game, and in the two games without him, they have allowed 174 rushing yards per game. Now add Simmons' departure to the crockpot and things are about to get more difficult.
New Titans DT Jonah Laulu has an opportunity following Jeffery Simmons trade
Even before the Jeffery Simmons trade, the Titans needed to add more to their defensive front, and that is why they were lucky to claim Laulu off waivers.
The Titans weren't the only team to submit a waiver claim for him. In fact, they were one of five teams that submitted a claim, including the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots, per Jordan Schultz.
Sources: The #Jets, #Colts, #Patriots, #Dolphins and #Texans all put in claims for former #Raiders DT Jonah Laulu.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2026
But the #Titans landed him because they had the highest waiver priority. https://t.co/R7XQSDwkSW pic.twitter.com/82T8EbQziP
Laulu is coming off a 51-tackle season in 2025, and so far this season he has been solid in his role, albeit not as productive on paper. A change of scenery should be good for him, and he can come into a situation where he won't be asked to do anything he isn't equipped for.
With the Simmons trade, you can expect Robert Saleh and Aaron Whitecotton to start truly platooning the defensive line more. That means more waves of defensive linemen rather than individuals who play 75% or more of the snaps.
Laulu should be able to come in with fresh legs and help on early downs like Nazir Stackhouse, and guys like Solomon Thomas, Keldric Faulk, and John Franklin-Myers can work on rushing the quarterback on obvious passing downs. It may even open up a role for someone like rookie Jackie Marshall, who the Titans might as well get a look at with the season trending the way that it is.
There are spots to be earned on the 2027 roster, and if Laulu takes advantage of this opportunity, he is the right age (26) to be part of this rebuild. If not, it was worth a shot to go after a highly sought-after waiver claim, and it cost them nothing to do it.
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