Tennessee Titans superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was back on the practice field for the second day of mandatory minicamp Wednesday, and he also spoke to local media for the first time of the offseason program.

Simmons, who is working through a minor injury according to head coach Robert Saleh, only did individual position drill work by himself and did not participate in any team drills.

The All-Pro’s press conference was a lot about his views and feels of the new defensive scheme, but he was also asked about his current contract situation with the franchise.

Jeffery Simmons speaks out on contract extension

All of the guaranteed money on Simmons’ deal that he signed in the summer of 2023 has been paid out, leaving only his base salaries for 2026 ($20.17 million) and 2027 ($23 million). Simmons is due to for a new deal after his career high eleven sacks for Tennessee last season.

“I think the biggest thing is since I got to Tennessee, this organization been nothing but good to me. This organization has been… we’ve been on the same page since I got here. So, when it comes down to the contract, I let everything play out, you know? Like I said, since I got here, I don’t think we have… me and the front office, me and Miss Amy, Vin (Marino), everyone been on the same page. And whenever it’s time to talk contract, whenever it’s time to get that stuff out the way, I know my agent will talk to them, and then they work together to make sure it’s done the right way.”

When he says he will “let it play out” that could mean a few different things. Simmons could reset his career high in sacks under Robert Saleh’s new attacking defensive scheme, a scheme that will have the defensive lineman play more aggressively up field than he ever has in his NFL career. A new level of play could unlock a higher level of contract. But the risk can also go the other direction if 2026 doesn’t play out the way Simmons and Titans fans would prefer. Does he want to extend before the season?

“We know how messy it could get, and that’s not what I’m looking for, especially going into year eight. Like I said, this organization has been nothing but good to me. So I’m not so focused on the contract right now. Like I said, my goal this offseason is let me go work my tail off and get ready for training camp.”

Freeze: This is where the defensive tackle landscape becomes a fascinating wrinkle. Until recently, there was a serious outlier contract atop all the rest: Chris Jones with the Chiefs, on a $31.75 APY deal. The next closest interior rusher was Philly’s Jordan Davis at $26M APY. But right before this Spring’s Draft, the Giants traded Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals. He received a 1-year deal for $28M, bridging the tremendous gap between Jones and the field to an extent.

That being said… where does Simmons come in on this ladder? He would be well within his rights to demand to reset the market, even with how great Chris Jones has been. Simmons is right there with him in a class of their own for best defensive tackles in the NFL today, and their trajectories seem headed in different directions.

If this contract situation drags out or becomes a public dispute in any way, I’d bet big money it’s because of this. But if Simmons means what he says (and the Titans treat their superstar right), then this should go relatively smoothly.