Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons became the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league after inking a new deal on Friday.
The Titans and the defensive tackle reached a deal on a three-year contract extension, reported to be worth $105 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With the new contract, the Mississippi State product reportedly became the first defensive tackle to land $100 million guaranteed.
Simmons, who will turn 29 next month, is reportedly set to make $35.3 million per year on his new contract.
That is $3.55 million more that the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super-Bowl winning tackle Chris Jones, who had been the league’s highest-paid defensive tackle up until this point.
The Cincinnati Bengals’ Dexter Lawrence ($28 million), New England Patriots star Milton Williams ($26 million) and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Davis (alo $26 million) round out the top-five highest paid defensive tackles in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans star Jeffery Simmons became the highest-paid defensive tackle
Simmons, who will turn 29 next month, is reportedly set to make $35.3 million per year
‘Tennessee has become a second home for me,’ Simmons said. ‘From day one, this organization believed in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to pour into this franchise and community.
‘I want to thank God, my family, my teammates, Ms. Amy and the entire Titans organization for believing in me. My job isn’t finished. I believe in this locker room and this staff, and I’m focused on helping this team get back to competing for championships.’
Simmons was drafted by the Titans in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, spending his entire seven-year career in Tennessee.
He has gone on to become a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a five-time captain, and a three-time Community Man of the Year winner for the franchise.
Last season, he recorded a career-high 11 sacks, as well as 60 quarterback pressures, 67 tackles, 17 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles.
Now, he has been rewarded for his performance with a record, blockbuster contract extension.
‘Jeffery Simmons is a pillar for our franchise and embodies what it means to be a Titan. He’s the premier defensive tackle in the National Football League and you win with players like Jeffery,’ Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi said.
‘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.
Simmons thanked the Titans organization as he branded Tennessee his ‘second home’
‘I’d also like to thank Vin Marino, Leland Taylor and Dave Gardi for spearheading negotiations that resulted in a win for everyone. This wouldn’t be possible without the support of Ms. Amy and our Ownership. 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.’
In 2025, Simmons broke Jurrell Casey’s mark (10.5 sacks in 2013) for the most sacks in a season by a Titans defensive tackle in the franchise’s ‘Titans era’ (1999 to present).
Simmons was named first-team All-Pro in 2025 after being named second team All-Pro in 2021 and 2022.
In the last 10 seasons (2016 to 2025), Simmons (2025) and Aaron Donald (2021) are the only NFL defensive tackles to produce at least 10 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and three passes defensed in a single season.
In seven NFL seasons, Simmons has recorded 383 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 275 quarterback pressures, and 65 tackles for a loss. He’s also caught two touchdowns in his NFL career.
