In the heart of NFL offseason speculation, where rumors often swirl with the force of a Tennessee tornado, one narrative has recently taken center stage: the potential trade of the Tennessee Titans’ All-Pro defensive cornerstone, Jeffery Simmons. Amidst mounting speculation and social media-fueled frenzy, a prominent NFL insider has stepped forward to pour cold water on the idea, asserting that the Titans have no intention of parting ways with their franchise defensive lineman. The insider’s declaration doesn’t just put fans at ease—it firmly reasserts the Titans’ long-term vision and commitment to one of their most impactful players.
The rumors began as many do in the NFL’s echo chamber—rooted in a few cryptic social media interactions, an ambiguous press conference quote, and the always unpredictable dance of roster rebuilding. For a team like the Titans, which has recently undergone a significant front office and coaching transition, nothing is off-limits in theory. With new head coach Brian Callahan taking the reins and general manager Ran Carthon beginning to shape the roster more directly in his image, some speculated that even cornerstone players might be on the block if the right offer came along. But as one NFL insider revealed in a report that has since tempered trade talks, Simmons is not available. Period.
The insider, known for a track record of accurate reporting on front office decisions, emphasized that Tennessee sees Simmons as foundational—not expendable. According to the source, there is zero internal discussion regarding moving the 26-year-old, and there hasn’t been even a whisper of shopping him around. That’s not just notable—it’s definitive. In a league where smoke usually signals some sort of fire, this insider made it crystal clear: the Titans are not putting a match anywhere near Simmons’ contract.
This is significant, because Simmons isn’t just another good player. He’s the heartbeat of the Titans’ defense—a force of nature who commands double teams, collapses pockets, and sets the tone for the entire unit. A two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, Simmons has compiled 26.5 career sacks, over 200 tackles, and countless intangible contributions since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His relentless motor, physical dominance, and locker room presence make him more than a stat sheet standout—he’s a culture setter, a leader who embodies the grit and grind of Nashville football.
What made the trade rumors all the more jarring was their lack of solid grounding. Some fans and media members pointed to Simmons recently unfollowing the Titans’ official social media account and wiping his Instagram of team-related content as evidence of a rift. While that may seem significant in today’s digital age, the insider dismissed it as much ado about nothing, noting that players often alter their online presence for personal or motivational reasons rather than as protest. Others cited the Titans’ new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson and the evolving identity of the unit as potential catalysts for a deal. But again, according to the report, the franchise sees Simmons as a foundational piece regardless of scheme.
If anything, the trade speculation may reflect more about the Titans’ broader transitional period than any specific issue with Simmons. Tennessee has indeed moved on from several veterans this offseason—most notably releasing longtime safety Kevin Byard and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, both of whom were beloved inside and outside the building. In that context, it’s understandable why fans and analysts might brace for more unexpected moves. But Simmons, under contract through 2027 with a deal that includes $47.8 million guaranteed, represents a very different situation.
Financially, trading Simmons would also be a questionable decision. The Titans would incur a significant dead cap hit—an undesirable outcome for a team trying to build around young quarterback Will Levis and maximize its cap flexibility. Furthermore, removing Simmons from the defensive line would create a gaping hole with no obvious replacement in sight. While players like Harold Landry and Arden Key offer pass-rushing ability off the edge, no one on the current roster replicates Simmons’ ability to dominate inside and anchor the run defense. Trading him would not only weaken the defense—it would compromise the entire identity of the team.
It’s also worth noting that Simmons himself has given no public indication that he wants out. In fact, just last year he spoke glowingly about his desire to spend his entire career in Tennessee, stating that he loves the city, the fans, and the organization. He’s been active in the community, a visible face in team marketing, and a vocal leader in the locker room. If frustrations exist, they haven’t spilled into the public square, and according to the insider’s report, there’s no internal drama or dispute to speak of.
For head coach Brian Callahan, having a player like Simmons is an invaluable luxury. As a former offensive coordinator, Callahan knows how disruptive interior pressure can be. Building his defense around a dominant tackle like Simmons gives him a foundation upon which to scheme creatively, knowing offenses will always have to account for No. 98. It’s no coincidence that one of Callahan’s first messages upon arriving in Nashville was that he’s thrilled to work with Simmons and sees him as a pillar of the team’s future.
The Titans’ long-term vision also aligns with keeping Simmons in two critical ways: competitiveness and leadership. Even as Tennessee rebuilds certain aspects of the roster, they are not in a full-scale teardown. With Levis entering his second year, a revamped offensive line, and the addition of weapons like Calvin Ridley, the Titans are trying to win now while developing for the future. Simmons represents the kind of player who bridges eras—young enough to be part of the next chapter, experienced enough to lead the current one. His presence in the locker room helps set the tone for younger players like Peter Skoronski, Elijah Molden, and any future draft picks who walk through the door.
As the draft approaches and teams across the league look to make splash moves, it’s easy to understand why Simmons would be a target in the imaginations of other fanbases. A disruptive force at a premium position, he’d instantly elevate any defense. But that’s exactly why the Titans aren’t interested in trading him. They know what they have. And according to the insider, they’re not even entertaining the idea of letting him go.
In a league where star players move more frequently than ever before, the stability Simmons provides is a rare and valuable commodity. For fans, the rumors may have sparked a few anxious moments, but the insider’s report offers firm reassurance. Jeffery Simmons isn’t going anywhere—and the Titans wouldn’t have it any other way.
While anything can happen in the NFL, some players are simply too valuable to let go. For the Tennessee Titans, Jeffery Simmons is one of those players. As the insider’s report so emphatically makes clear, the franchise’s plans for the future start with their star defensive tackle—not without him. And as the team enters a new era under Callahan and Carthon, one thing remains the same: Simmons is the immovable object at the heart of Tennessee’s defense. The rumors can swirl. The social media speculation can rise and fall. But as of now, Jeffery Simmons is a Titan—and that’s not changing anytime soon.