Mike Borgonzi makes an example of Jeffery Simmons with ‘blown out of the water’ contract extension with Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans shocked the NFL world with a massive, market reseting contract extension for their best player, Jeffery Simmons.
The Tennessee Titans locked up their best player on Friday afternoon, signing defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to a record-breaking 3-year contract extension worth $105.8 million.
The deal makes Simmons the highest-paid interior defensive lineman in NFL history at $35 million per year, shattering the previous high-water mark set by Kansas City’s Chris Jones at $31.75 million annually. The Titans extension also includes $100 million in guarantees, another record for the position. Simmons, who earned his first First Team All-Pro nod last season after an 11-sack career year, was already under contract through 2027. The new deal keeps him in Nashville through 2030, his age-33 season.
A deal both sides wanted to get done
When Simmons spoke to the media at mandatory minicamp, he made it clear he had no interest in letting contract negotiations turn adversarial. He said the Titans were an organization that had always treated him right, and he wanted to keep it that way. In hindsight, his demeanor at minicamp makes a whole lot of sense. He likely knew the finish line was in sight.
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi negotiated the deal with Simmons’ agents, Todd France and AJ Stevens of Athletes First. Borgonzi released a statement through the team following the announcement:
“Jeffery Simmons is a pillar for our franchise and embodies what it means to be a Titan,” Borgonzi said. “He’s the premier defensive tackle in the National Football League, and you win with players like Jeffery. Not only is his leadership on the field what we want our program to represent, but off the field, he sets the standard for our community.”
“I’d like to thank Todd France and AJ Stevens with Athletes First for their communication and efforts to get this deal done. I’d also like to thank Ben Marino, Leland Taylor, and Dave Gardy for spearheading negotiations that resulted in a win for everyone. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of Amy and the Adams family. You always want to keep your best players, and we accomplished that today. We’re excited for Jeffery to be here in Nashville for the long haul.”
Titans had no choice but to blow the market out of the water
Simmons has already appeared in 99 games for the franchise, racking up 383 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 27 passes defensed, 8 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries. His sack total ranks 12th in franchise history and 5th in the Titans era since 1999. Those numbers alone justify top-of-market compensation, but the deal also carries weight beyond the raw stats.
Borgonzi wants to prove to the other young potential stars on this roster that Tennessee rewards its best players. This is the kind of move that sets the tone for how the franchise operates. If you play at Simmons’ level, this is how the Titans treat you. That reputation matters when you’re trying to retain homegrown talent like Peter Skoronski, JC Latham, Cam Ward, and the rest of the young core this front office is building around.
Simmons’s next gear under Robert Saleh
Now paired with defensive minded head coach Robert Saleh, the expectation is that Simmons could reach new levels in a revamped defensive line. Tennessee added pieces like Jermaine Johnson and John Franklin-Myers this offseason, and Simmons anchors the interior of what should be a significantly improved front. An 11-sack season from a defensive tackle is already elite production. With better talent around him and a defensive-minded coaching staff that knows how to maximize pass rushers, there’s reason to believe Simmons hasn’t hit his ceiling yet.
From a value standpoint and a reputation standpoint, this was a no-brainer for the Titans. Simmons is the best player on the roster, the emotional leader of the defense, and now the highest-paid defensive tackle in football. Tennessee got the deal done without the ugliness that so often accompanies star extensions around the league. Now all the Titans need to do is find other players who can match the standard he’s set.