NFL Insider Points Out “First Order of Business” For Titans

The Tennessee Titans made a ton of cuts on Wednesday and ESPN’s Dianna Russini has declared exactly what the Titans need to do next.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans made some major, and expected, cuts to the roster on Wednesday in an effort to get cap compliant. The Titans went from $23-25 million above the cap to $13-15 million in salary cap space after cutting four veteran players. Taylor Lewan, Robert Woods, Zach Cunningham and Randy Bullock all were released. ESPN’s Dianna Russini thinks that securing a big time extension for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons should be the “first order of business” after clearing some cap room.

Ran Carthon working hard clearing up cap space as the Titans looks to go younger and cheaper…to an extent. A new, very earned deal for Jeffrey Simmons @GrindSimmons94 should be first order of business. 👀 https://t.co/GuHPVZaPwa

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 23, 2023

Russini points out that Titans’ new general manager Ran Carthon has been “working hard” to clear up the Titans’ cap issues and, while there is still work to do, Carthon has got the Titans to a manageable situation or, at minimum, a legal situation with the salary cap. As Russini mentions, the Titans do need to get young and cheaper. One place they don’t need to get cheaper though is at defensive tackle.

Jeffery Simmons has shown over the last two seasons he is one of the best players in the NFL. Prior to the 2022 season, multiple publications declared Simmons as the second best interior defensive lineman in the NFL behind only future hall of famer Aaron Donald. High praise for Simmons, but well deserved.

Over the last two seasons, Simmons has combined for 16 sacks after having only five sacks combined in his first two seasons. Simmons put up 54 tackles in both 2021 and 2022 along with 21 tackles for loss combined in the past two seasons. He is the foundation that the Titans' defensive front is built upon.

There were two main concerns surrounding Simmons prior to the 2019 NFL Draft. One was an ACL tear that Simmons suffered during training in February before the draft was set to happen in April. The second was an incident where Simmons was involved in a physical altercation with a member of his community that was having issues with his family. His health and his reputation were questioned.

Simmons has completely answered both questions about him in a resounding way. Simmons has played at least 15 games in three straight seasons and even admitted he took pain-killing shots for the back half of 2022 just to be able to play in the games. Even when some in the NFL would have sat out due to not having a contract in place. Not only that, but Simmons has been a model citizen for the Titans going above and beyond to be a fantastic representative of the organization. Simmons has also done some incredible work within his own community in Mississippi and made a major impact in his hometown.

Jeffery Simmons has answered the call on and off the field, so Russini is not off base with her comment. The Titans absolutely need to lock up Simmons to a long-term deal as soon as possible and solidify the foundation of their defense for years to come. There are reports that Simmons could be looking at a deal worth nearly $25 million a season with over $100 million guaranteed, but Simmons has shown for years now that he is worth it. After two pro bowls and two all-pro selections, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

Taylor Lewan Released: In an expected move, the Tennessee Titans have officially released left tackle Taylor Lewan. With Lewan's release, it appears likely that Tennessee will begin looking for a new long-term starter at left tackle, whether through free agency or the draft. CLICK HERE

Robert Woods Released: According to a report from Jordan Schultz, the Titans are releasing veteran wide receiver Robert Woods. The move will clear $12 million in cap space while leaving behind $2.6 million in dead money. CLICK HERE

Titans' Free Agent Fits - Offensive Tackle: The biggest need the Tennessee Titans have on the roster right now is at left tackle. There will be a bevy of viable options to fill that need in free agency this offseason, at all price points. CLICK HERE