NFL reporter has preposterous Titans' trade idea

[ASFN Admin]

Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi and head coach Robert Saleh have been busy putting together a solid coaching staff and making roster improvements this offseason. They were active during free agency, and with nine picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, they'll add even more.

As far as trades are concerned, the only player traded away this offseason was nose tackle T'Vondre Sweat. It wasn't anything against Sweat, but he doesn't fit into Saleh's defensive scheme, so a move was made. A recent article by Fox Sports reporter Ralph Vacchiano suggests that the Detroit Lions try to acquire defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Titans during the draft.

Acquire: DT Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee TitansCost: 2026 first-round pick (17th), 2027 second-round pick

The Titans didn’t trade Simmons at the deadline last year, and it’s hard to imagine new coach Robert Saleh would want to part with his best player now. But the clock is ticking on a contract that expires after next season, and will the Titans be any good by then? The Lions, meanwhile, have their own clock ticking on contention and desperately need help on the defensive line to avoid Aidan Hutchinson drawing constant double-teams. Add a DT like Simmons and their pass rush could be fierce again, making them an instant contender. That could be worth what should be a very hefty price.

First, the Titans are absolutely not going to trade Jeffery Simmons. Period. Not in 2026. No player is ever above being traded if the right offer comes along, but Simmons embodies the Titans. He legitimately IS the Titans. Not only is he their best defensive player, but he is a massive leader in the locker room. Taking that away during a rebuild would be a huge mistake.

This is not to say that Simmons won't ever get traded, simply that it is incredibly unlikely during the 2026 season. Whichever team attempted to steal him away would have to make a literal offer the Titans couldn't refuse. Multiple first-round draft picks, spread out over time. The price tag is high, which is why most teams will shy away.

The Lions are unlikely to make a trade for Simmons anyway. They have less free cap space than Simmons' projected 2026 cap hit of over $25 million. Simmons has earned a spot among the highest-paid interior defensive linemen in the NFL, and if a team is going to try to grab him, they have to be ready for that commitment. Plus, be willing to give up draft picks.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: NFL reporter: Detroit Lions should acquire Titans' Jeffery Simmons

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