MONEY TALKS! Titans Toss $632,529 at Jeffery Simmons—But Is He Truly Happy With It?

In a move that has garnered attention across the NFL, the Tennessee Titans have made a significant correction to the contract of star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, approving a raise of $632,529 for the 2025 season. This adjustment addresses an oversight related to the league’s transition to a 17-game regular season, ensuring Simmons is compensated fairly for his contributions on the field.

Why the Raise Was Needed

When Simmons signed his four-year, $94 million extension in 2023, the contract did not account for the additional game that the NFL introduced.

At that time, the league had already expanded its schedule from 16 to 17 games, but many player contracts, including Simmons’, had not been updated to reflect this change.

Despite playing all 17 games during the 2023 season, Simmons was only compensated for 16 under the terms of his deal.

The recent revision corrects this oversight, retroactively compensating him for the missing game check.

Details of the Deal

The bump of $632,529 is not an extension of Simmons’ contract; rather, it serves as a pay correction added to his existing deal.

His contract remains intact and will run through the 2027 season as originally agreed.

The Titans enlisted agent Todd France of Athletes First to facilitate the extension, and he played a crucial role in ensuring that the 17th game check was properly accounted for.

This revision is believed to be unprecedented, marking the first instance of a retroactive inclusion of a missing game check in such a manner.

Simmons’ Performance Justifies the Pay

Jeffery Simmons has consistently proven himself as one of the NFL’s elite defensive tackles.

In the 2024 season, he recorded impressive stats: 76 total tackles, 5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.

As the 2025 season unfolds, Simmons has already made his presence felt on the field, recording a sack and several quarterback pressures in the early games.

His performance further solidifies the justification for the raise, showcasing that he is not only a vital part of the Titans’ defense but also deserving of fair compensation.

League-Wide Implications

Simmons’ raise is more than just a correction; it could set a significant precedent for the league.

Reports indicate that several other players are in similar contractual situations where their deals do not explicitly include the 17th game check, leaving them at risk of being underpaid due to the schedule expansion.

Defensive tackles like Quinnen Williams and Dexter Lawrence II have been mentioned as potential candidates for similar adjustments.

As this situation unfolds, teams and agents may leverage Simmons’ case to negotiate revisions for other players in the same predicament.

What This Means for the Titans

For the Titans, the financial impact of this raise is relatively minimal within the context of their salary cap, especially considering Simmons’ importance to the team.

However, the move carries broader implications:

Commitment to Fairness: It reinforces the Titans’ commitment to treating their high-impact players fairly and equitably.
Avoiding Friction: By addressing pay gaps related to schedule changes, the Titans can avoid potential friction with their players moving forward.
Boosting Morale: This adjustment may enhance morale and trust between players and the organization.

Simmons has long been a foundational figure in the Titans’ defensive lineup, and this correction ensures his compensation is commensurate with his contributions.

Final Thoughts

While $632,529 may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of a contract that guarantees Simmons tens of millions, the principle behind the raise is paramount.

The Titans were right to address the oversight, acknowledging the value Simmons brings to the team.

For Simmons, this raise is not merely a financial boost; it serves as validation of his worth and contributions to the franchise.

As NFL contracts continue to evolve in response to scheduling changes and other league dynamics, this development may signify a turning point.

It could lead to a future where fairness in pay for each regular-season contest becomes less of a negotiation and more of an automatic expectation across the league.

As the Titans move forward, they set a standard that may influence how contracts are structured in the years to come, ensuring that players receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.