Simmons dominated double teams, generating more QB pressures than any other DT. New help means even more havoc.
The Tennessee Titans are lucky to have a player like Jeffery Simmons playing for their team.
Simmons is a defensive tackle who can not only help in clogging the middle of the defensive line to stop the run, but can also get after the quarterback with ease.
It's weird to say that a player of Simmons' talents had a breakout year in 2025, but it's true. Simmons set new career highs in sacks (11) and TFLs (17), and had the second-highest amount of total tackles (67) in his career. He needed 10 more tackles to break his record.
The Titans' star has been to four Pro Bowls, including last season, and now has some help on the interior of the defensive line.
Tennessee added John Franklin-Myers in free agency, who accounted for 7.5 sacks last season with the Denver Broncos. The other major defensive acquisitions were corners Alontae Taylor and Cor'Dale Flott, both of whom I gave high grades, as I did with Franklin-Myers.
This should definitely help Simmons out, as a player like him is prone to being double-teamed by offensive linemen. Franklin-Myers will absolutely be a welcome addition to the defensive line for that reason, but history shows that Simmons can hold his own when double-teamed.
According to Next Gen Stats, Simmons had the most quarterback pressures despite being double-teamed. Simmons led the way with 18 and was in the company of some solid talent.
Christian Barmore (17), Vita Vea (16), Quinnen Williams (15) and Calais Campbell (14) were also featured.
Simmons fits the mold of the kind of player that Robert Saleh wants on his defensive line perfectly. Saleh has used defensive tackles in the past who excel in three areas: collapsing the pocket, clogging running lanes, and affecting opposing quarterbacks.
Simmons has found success in doing all three things throughout his impressive NFL career.
Now, opposing teams will have to choose who they focus on when it comes to the interior of the Titans' defensive line. Do they focus on Simmons or Franklin-Myers?
This puts the Titans in a great spot because if the focus is on one or the other, it could free up either Simmons or Franklin-Myers to put some pressure on the opposing team's backfield.
Tennessee has the luxury of not one, but two stellar defensive tackles who succeed in just what Saleh is looking for. Franklin-Myers was a great addition in free agency, but the Titans have to feel good knowing they have a player like Simmons who can squeeze out of double teams.