Titans DL coach explains Jeffery Simmons' absence from on-field work during minicamps
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons reported to mandatory minicamp this week, but he's not participating in on-field work. Instead, Simmons, according to Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams, is "doing everything" the team is asking him to do, which includes watching film. Williams was pressed by reporters on Wednesday about why the Titans aren't […]
Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons reported to mandatory minicamp this week, but he's not participating in on-field work.
Instead, Simmons, according to Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams, is "doing everything" the team is asking him to do, which includes watching film.
Williams was pressed by reporters on Wednesday about why the Titans aren't asking Simmons to participate in on-field work. The veteran defensive line coach said that Simmons isn't "dinged up" and that he'll be ready to go when it's time to go.
"He's doing exactly what we're asking him to do right now," said Williams.
"He's doing just well, I promise you," added Williams.
On Tuesday, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel was asked about Simmons' absence from on-field work. Vrabel responded that Simmons was "unavailable". When asked if Simmons' unavailability was contract-related, Vrabel again responded that the star defensive lineman was simply "unavailable".
Simmons, who has developed into one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL, is due for a massive contract extension. He won't see Aaron Donald-type money, but he'll be in that neighborhood.
It certainly feels like Simmons not participating in on-field work is contract related. This is obviously speculation, but if the Titans were just being cautious with Simmons, it seems that would be communicated to the media (so there wouldn't be any speculation).
The Titans undoubtedly want to keep a good relationship with Simmons through this contract process. Allowing Simmons to report but not participate in on-field drills seems like a reasonable compromise. Simmons is in the building, he's around the team, and he's not getting fined. He also gets to retain some of his leverage by skipping on-field work. It's a common negotiation tactic that plenty of NFL players use.
Simmons is more important to Tennessee's success than wide receiver AJ Brown, who was traded by the Titans to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason amid a contract dispute. That's why I can't see a scenario where the Titans don't get a deal worked out with Simmons.
It would be a major shock to see Tennessee let one of the best defensive players in the NFL leave Nashville.
Featured image via Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
