By locking in a massive extension through 2031, the All-Pro defensive tackle now has the longevity and elite production required to surpass franchise icons like Jurrell Casey.
When you think about the greatest players ever to wear a Tennessee Titans uniform, a few come to mind off the bat.
Starting from when the franchise changed its name from the Tennessee Oilers to the Tennessee Titans in 1999, Eddie George and Steve McNair were at the beginning. Players like Derrick Mason, Derrick Henry, Chris Johnson, Keith Bulluck, Jevon Kearse, Frank Wycheck and Delanie Walker have come through the Music City. Je
The list goes on and on.
Now, another current Titans player has a chance to etch his name in this franchise's history. The Titans awarded defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons with a three-year, $105.8 million extension, with $100 million in guaranteed money.
This means Simmons will be with the Titans until 2031, since his previous contract was set to expire in 2028.
Simmons has already stacked quite an impressive list of accomplishments with the Titans. He has 376 total tackles, 42.5 sacks and 66 TFLs. He has made four Pro Bowls and has been a First-Team All-Pro once in his Titans career.
The defensive tackle just had the best season of his Titans career, but unfortunately, the team still finished 3-14. Simmons had 67 total tackles, 11 sacks and 17 TFLs last season, all while not being at 100%.
Simmons revealed that he had a procedure in February to clean out his elbow, which he couldn't fully extend. So, if Simmons just had the best season of his career on a partially injured elbow, imagine what he could do now?
He still has a way to go to put his name in Titans history. In terms of the best defensive tackle the Titans have ever had, he's close. Simmons still probably needs a few more consistent years to surpass Jurrell Casey.
Casey was with the Titans from 2011-19 and didn't finish out his career with the franchise. He was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2020 for a seventh-round pick. However, he still left his mark on the franchise.
Casey is currently first in TFLs (84) and sixth in sacks (51). Simmons is 12th in sacks (42.5) and third in TFLs (66).
He still has his work cut out for him, but one thing he has more of is time after this most recent extension with the Titans.
If Simmons can continue the level of production we've seen out of him, there's no doubt that he can finish his time as one of the all-time franchise greats.
Who knows? Maybe once his career is over, we'll include his name in the conversation among George, McNair, Henry and the others who have left their mark on the Titans.
One thing's for certain, Big Jeff is set up to be a Titan for life, much to the delight of Music City.
