NFL insider says Titans could make headlines before Sunday vs. Giants
Contract extensions are always quite the situation for a player and a team. For the Tennessee Titans, an extension for star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons will have to be in the cards soon. One NFL insider, Dan Graziano, believes that the Titans and Simmons could come to an agreement as early as this weekend. Lamar […]
Contract extensions are always quite the situation for a player and a team. For the Tennessee Titans, an extension for star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons will have to be in the cards soon. One NFL insider, Dan Graziano, believes that the Titans and Simmons could come to an agreement as early as this weekend.
Lamar Jackson might not get his extension before the season starts, but I'll bet a few guys do. Remember, T.J. Watt's megadeal with the Steelers got done last year on the day of the Thursday night opener between the Cowboys and Bucs. Candidates to get high-end extensions in the dwindling days before the season starts, based on chatter I've heard around the league, include Colts guard Quenton Nelson, Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, Bengals tackle Jonah Williams, Rams safety Taylor Rapp, Packers defensive lineman Rashan Gary and Raiders tight end Darren Waller.
Why it makes sense
This is an intriguing sentiment from Graziano. This would mean that the two sides would be pretty close to a deal by now. If they don't come to a deal before this Sunday, they could certainly still make a deal sometime during the season.
For the Titans, they need to make it happen quickly. Getting out in front of the market that inflates every off-season makes the most sense. Simmons is one of the most impact defensive linemen in the NFL. Not to mention, he is still just 25 years old.
Simmons has been extremely consistent for the Titans. Also, he has stayed healthy since missing the first half of his first season due to a pre-draft injury. Availability is so important on the defensive line, and his talent is inarguable.
Fellow NFL insider Jeremy Fowler believes that the deal may not get done this week, but the time is coming – it seems.
Those are great names for potential extensions, Dan, with Simmons the one player of the 2019 first-round picks I have earmarked for a deal sooner than later, though last I'm hearing the sides might wait until in-season or after the year.
Regardless, it sounds like the Titans are working hard to keep Simmons in the fold as quickly as they can. Simmons and Kevin Byard are the cornerstones of their defense going forward.
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