Resigning Simmons Would Be Carthon's Biggest Win In Year One

He's a free agent and one of the top four defensive tackles in the NFL. That's why new Titans general manager Ran Carthon must resign Jeffrey Simmons, but there's more to it than just that.

George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

NASHVILLE - Jeffrey Simmons is one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL and a free agent that the Titans desperately need to resign.  

Resigning 'Big Jeff" might be the most significant addition possible for new general manager Ran Carthon's first twelve months in Nashville. It's that big a deal. 

It's not Cathon's fault, but when former general manager Jon Robinson traded A.J. Brown away before last year's NFL Draft, many in the Titans fan base felt betrayed by the organization they love because one of the team's top two offensive weapons was sent packing for little more than a song because of money.  

Allowing its unquestioned best defensive player to walk a year later because of contract negotiations would reinforce the belief that the Titans are a cheap operation and unwilling to pay their best players to help build a winning franchise here in Music City. 

Being viewed as cheap would not be a good look for a franchise while dealing with the city of Nashville for a new indoor stadium. 

Also, resigning Simmons means the team knows what it is getting, unlike with draft picks, where some work out, and others fail to produce. Jeff is a known commodity and is already a star.  

While I ultimately believe a deal will get done, Carthon can't afford to miss on this one so early in his tenure. It would be his Kevin Dodd moment in year one and eliminate the goodwill and grace period most fans and media are willing to give him to fix the issues he inherited. 

A Monday morning report indicates discussions between the team and Simmons representatives have begun. Still, a Sunday night tweet that shared Simmons' deleted pictures and other items from his social media accounts has fans in an uproar.  

#Titans DT Jeffery Simmons and the team are working on a long-term deal.

Simmons, a 1st round pick in 2019, had 16 sacks and 30 QB hits the past two seasons.https://t.co/Pe6HGJOeof pic.twitter.com/lkPgqRRTZo

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 6, 2023

There's still time to get this deal done, it won't be cheap for the Titans, and it shouldn't be. Simmons is going to get paid handsomely by someone if the Titans fail to meet the dollar amount he feels he deserves. 

The question is, do the Titans understand how failing to resign their best defender will play to the fan base?

While I'm not privileged to insider knowledge of their plans, I'm certain they know and understand the importance of resigning Simmons, both on the field and in the public relations arena.  

Now it's time to make something positive happen for this fanbase prior to the draft. Again, there's still time, but the clock is ticking, and the Titans are on it for perhaps their biggest selection of this season.