A new-look Jeffery Simmons arrives at Tennessee Titans minicamp
Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has been one of the bigger talking points at mandatory minicamp. Firstly, Simmons was in attendance after skipping voluntary OTAs earlier in the offseason. Secondly, he quickly made his presence felt while trash-taking no. 1 overall quarterback Cam Ward during an eventful practice.
Simmons always draws a crowd and headlines. He also looked significantly different and slimmer. Simmons notes that he dropped 20 pounds in hopes of being a lighter, more effective and efficient pass rusher.
“I weighed in today on a good note,” Simmons told reporters. I’m nearly down 20 pounds this offseason. It felt different, but I feel great. I feel lighter on my feet, but still very explosive. We have to be better with the sack numbers.”
#Titans Jeffery Simmons on not being at OTAs, slimming down in the offseason: pic.twitter.com/dKUt30P0mX
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) June 10, 2025
Head coach Brian Callahan met with the media prior to Simmons’ comments. Callahan was extremely complimentary of Simmons, but noted he’d like his superstar pass rusher to be a more efficient pass rusher in 2025. Those comments go hand-in-hand with the defender’s new-look physique.
Simmons posted five sacks in 2024. It marked his lowest sack-total since his sophomore 2020 campaign despite making 16 regular-season appearances, his most since his breakout 2021 season (career-high 8.5 sacks). The recent numbers have been somewhat disappointing.
Simmons carries the potential of a seven-to-10 sack player. In 2021-22, the former Mississippi State standout totaled 16.0 sacks. That’s the type of efficiency and impact Callahan wants his star d-tackle to make.
The Titans defense tied for 30th in sacks throughout 2024 with 32 QB takedowns. New general manager Mike Borgonzi didn’t acquire an elite pass rusher this summer, though the arrivals of Dre’Mont Jones, Femi Oladejo, and Lorenzo Carter will hopefully help. What the Titans need most is for Simmons (and T’Vondre Sweat) to impact pockets like he’s capable of.
Simmons’ slimmed-down physique should also help him survive the grind of a 17-game season. He missed seven combined contests in 2022-23, but managed to appear in 16-of-17 opportunities in 2024. Simmons and the Titans are working together towards maximizing his talent.