News Titans Team Notes

Titans DT Jeffery Simmons ranks No. 4 in ESPN’s position rankings list

Houston Texans v Tennessee Titans

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Tennessee Titans DT Jeffery Simmons is still elite, per ESPN

Jeffery Simmons is sometimes a divisive topic among Tennessee Titans fans. The occasionally dominant defensive tackle has battled injuries, missing eight games across the previous three seasons. There’s also the odd social media run-in, when he cussed out Buck Reising, or stayed away from voluntary OTAs this year, citing “personal reasons.”

At his best, Simmons is a game-changing defensive tackle. His league-wide reputation indicates such. Simmons has made three Pro Bowl appearances, including one this past season (originally as an alternate), despite recording just five sacks.

ESPN is releasing their annual position rankings. On Tuesday, they dropped the defensive tackle iteration. Simmons clocked in at No. 4 overall, ahead of Quinnen Williams, DeForest Buckner, and Vita Vea, to name a few.


Execs, coaches and scouts rank the NFL's best DTs

-A Giant new No. 1
-Jalen Carter pushes for top spot
-L. Williams, Vea, Heyward return https://t.co/oX5R2otqcS

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 8, 2025

Simmons has been a staple in the top 10 due to unique power that some evaluators consider the best in the league,” ESPN wrote. “He has risen to as high as No. 2 on the list because of the problems he gives opposing guards and centers.”

Simmons’ lack of production was a topic of discussion among the anonymous coaches and executives that were polled. They decided to look past the pedestrian numbers, collectively still labeling him a top-five interior defender.

Still dominant vs. the runI didn’t see the same pass-rush explosion,” an NFC executive said. “Morale gets low and it’s hard to rush when you’re always playing from behind,” an NFL coordinator said. “Still one of the most complete players.”

Simmons’ best stretch occurred in 2021-22 when he compiled 16 sacks. In the two seasons since, that number downgraded to 10.5 QB takedowns, with injuries playing a larger role. The Titans desperately need Simmons to be healthy and effective in 2025.

Simmons is signed through the 2027 season, via a previously inked four-year extension worth $94 million. Simmons earns $23.5 million annually. The top defensive tackles now earn $30-plus million annually. He could want to discuss an amended contract if he bounces back this campaign.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...ns-ranks-no-4-in-espns-position-rankings-list
 
Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Center

NFL Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

We continue our all-quarter century team voting with center.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with center.

As with guard, there aren’t a lot of individual statistics when it comes to centers, so I will just list the players and the games they played in Tennessee. This might be one of the closest votes we have seen so far.

Justin Hartwig​


Hartwig played in 50 games for the Titans from 2002 to 2005.

Kevin Mawae​


Mawae played in 61 games for the Titans from 2006 to 2009. He was voted an All-Pro in 2008 and made the Pro Bowl in both 2008 and 2009. Mawae was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Eugene Amano​


Amano played in 124 games for the Titans from 2004 to 2011.

Ben Jones​


Jones played in 108 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2022. He made the Pro Bowl in 2022.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2025/7/8/24463860/tennessee-titans-all-quarter-century-team-center
 
ESPN snubs Titans RB Tony Pollard from top 10 list

Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions

Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Should Tony Pollard have been included?

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s top 10 interior d-lineman rankings. Their running back rankings were released earlier this week. Titans starter Tony Pollard didn’t make the list.

Former Titans RB Derrick Henry finished second behind Saquon Barkley. Joe Mixon and Alvin Kamara ranked ninth and 10th respectively. Their inclusions are highly debatable. There were five honorable mentions. None of them were Pollard. Six additional running backs fell into the “also received votes” category. Pollard isn’t listed there either.


A little surprised that there wasn't more love for Tony Pollard here. Not saying he should have been top-5 or anything but for guys like D'Andre Swift to get votes and Pollard receive none is interesting. https://t.co/A8zKHhL93g

— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonSk1) July 7, 2025

That means 21 total running backs were at least mentioned. Some of them were lackluster performers last season, such as Chuba Hubbard, D’Andre Swift, and Kenneth Walker III. It feels fairly egregious Pollard didn’t earn a single vote or mention, considering more than 70 NFL coaches, scouts. and executives are anonymously polled.

Pollard finished 12th in rushing last year with 1,079 yards. It represented his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Of the 16 RBs who rushed for 1,000-plus yards, his 4.2 YPC finished 14th. Pollard was a workhorse for an underperforming Titans offense that couldn’t pass the football with any consistency. His 260 carries finished eighth in the league.

Pollard signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Titans in free agency last offseason. The former Memphis standout more than lived up to that contract. He’ll enter 2025 as Brian Callahan’s unquestioned lead back, with Tyjae Spears in a supporting spot. Rookie Kalel Mullings is also hoping to capture a change-of-pace role.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...snubs-titans-rb-tony-pollard-from-top-10-list
 
Titans Reacts Survey: How many yards will Calvin Ridley have this season?

Houston Texans v Tennessee Titans

Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

This week’s reacts question has to do with the most established playmaker on the offensive side of the ball - Calvin Ridley. I am of the belief that the Titans did not do enough to surround Cam Ward with weapons this offseason. That just means that Ridley is going to have to step up even more for his rookie quarterback.

Last season, Ridley had 64 catches for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns. If the Titans are going to make some noise in 2025, all three of those numbers are going to have to be higher. There should be better offensive line and quarterback play this year, so I expect that they will be. What say you?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Tennessee Titans fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...any-yards-will-calvin-ridley-have-this-season
 
Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Guard Two

1999 AFC Championship Game - Tennessee Titans vs Jacksonville Jaguars - January 23, 2000

Photo by Allen Kee/Getty Images

We continue our all-quarter century team voting with guard round two.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with the second guard.

Bruce Matthews won the first round. Andy Levitre came in second in that round. I’m not trying to tell you how to vote, but there are a couple of guys on the list who were pretty significantly better than Levitre.

I narrowed the list down a little bit this time based on the votes from the first round.

Benji Olson​


Olson played in 128 games for the Titans from 2000 to 2007.

Andy Levitre​


Levitre played in 32 games for the Titans from 2013 to 2014.

Rodger Saffold​


Saffold played in 46 games for the Titans from 2019 to 2021 and made the Pro Bowl in 2021.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...see-titans-all-quarter-century-team-guard-two
 
Tennessee Titans All-Quarter Century Team: Right tackle

Tennessee Titans v Denver Broncos

Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

We continue our all-quarter century team voting today.

Over the next few weeks leading up to Tennessee Titans’ training camp, we are going to name the Titans All-Quarter Century team. Each weekday, I will post a poll at a different position for you to vote on. Feel free to explain your reasoning for your vote in the comments. We continue today with right tackle. It’s pretty remarkable how few right tackles the Titans used before the last few years.

On a side note, the 2005 draft where the Titans got Michael Roos in the second round and David Stewart in the fourth round, is insane. The organization would kill for another draft like that after the last few years.

Fred Miller​


Despite earning the nickname “Drive Killer Miller” for his untimely false start penalties, Miller was a solid player for this team. Miller played in 80 games from 2000 to 2004 for the Titans.

David Stewart​


“Big Country” played in 116 games for the Titans from 2005 to 20013. Again, not trying to tell you how to vote, but Stewart is really the only choice here.

Jack Conklin​


Conklin played in 57 games for the Titans from 2016 to 2019. He was really good in his rookie season, making the All-Pro team, but struggled after tearing his ACL in 2018. He did end up playing well by the time the 2019 season was over.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...-titans-all-quarter-century-team-right-tackle
 
Reacts results: See where fans picked the Titans to finish in the AFC South

Tennessee Titans Mandatory Minicamp

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

This seems fair.

This week’s reacts question was where do you think the Tennessee Titans will finish in the AFC South in 2025. Here are the results:



That seems pretty fair to me. The Houston Texans are the favorites to win the division - as they should be. They have won the last two division titles, and on paper, they have the most talented roster in the division.

I don’t have to tell you, but the X factor for the Titans is Cam Ward. Everything we have seen from him so far has been fantastic. If Bill Callahan can figure out a way to maximize his talented rookie quarterback, the Titans will have a chance to win the division.

The most likely scenario, however, is that Ward’s rookie season has some ups and downs, and the Titans finish somewhere in the middle of the division, either second or third, like 68% of you predicted.

Be sure and check out FanDuel for all of your sports betting needs!

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...fans-picked-titans-to-finish-in-the-afc-south
 
Should the Titans be worried about a Femi Oladejo holdout?

Tennessee Titans Rookie Minicamp

Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images

Is a contract standoff coming between the Tennessee Titans and Femi Oladejo?

You’re likely aware that there’s been an intriguing storyline brewing around second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft over the past few months. The Houston Texans made the unprecedented decision to sign No. 34 overall pick Jayden Higgins to a fully-guaranteed contract. Realizing they possessed no leverage, the Cleveland Browns followed suit with 33rd selection Carson Schwesinger.

The other 30 second-round picks in the NFL remain unsigned, including Tennessee Titans rookie EDGE Femi Oladejo. The situation is beginning to reach a boiling point. Current CBA rules don’t allow rookies to physically participate in training camp if they haven’t signed their contracts.

The rubber is meeting the road around the league. The Los Angeles Chargers reported to training camp over the weekend. Their second-round pick, wide receiver Tre Harris, is officially holding out over guaranteed money, according to various reports.


The deadline for #Chargers rookies to report is upon us and second round WR Tre Harris is officially a holdout, sources say.

With 30 of the 32 second-round picks unsigned because of a disagreement over guaranteed money, Harris makes the first official stand. pic.twitter.com/Z2PU9p0wEc

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 12, 2025

Oladejo displayed a team-first attitude at OTAs and minicamp, but the situation is different now. Rookies are permitted to participate in offseason workouts without a signed contract, because there are injury protections in place. Training camp essentially serves as an unofficial deadline for rookie deals to get signed. That’s why Harris is holding out in L.A.

And Oladejo’s agent is likely driving the conversation in Nashville. No matter how much of a team-first attitude Oladejo has, he’ll expect, with advice from his agency, to sign a contract that is deemed fair by market standards. The market was completely thrown into disarray by the Texans (thanks, Houston!), leading to unprecedented negotiations.

Titans GM Mike Borgonzi would probably prefer to see a rookie contract around Oladejo’s slot (No. 52 overall) get done before taking his stance. Just because the 33rd and 34th selections got fully-guaranteed contracts doesn’t necessarily mean Oladejo will. Guarantees have always slightly differed pick to pick in previous years, but putting the fully-guaranteed variety on the table changed things.

For example, what do the 50th and 53rd pick get in guaranteed money? Borgonzi would love to have that example before signing Oladejo. The Titans are slated to report to training camp on July 22nd, with the first on-field practice scheduled for the 23rd. The Titans have less than two weeks to get Oladejo signed to avoid a distraction and holdout.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...itans-be-worried-about-a-femi-oladejo-holdout
 
Bleacher Report: Cam Ward is Titans’ biggest reason for optimism

Tennessee Titans Mandatory Minicamp

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

The Tennessee Titans are counting on Cam Ward to restore the franchise to relevance

The Tennessee Titans made the decision to draft quarterback Cam Ward at No. 1 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Blown away by his leadership, personality, and physical traits, the Titans grew enamored with Ward throughout the pre-draft process. With training camp on the horizon, fans will be watching his development closely.

The Bleacher Report recently wrote an article outlining every team’s biggest reason for optimism heading into 2025 Training Camps. Unsurprisingly, Ward was the selection for the Titans.

Heading into the offseason, the 2025 rookie quarterback class was largely viewed as an underwhelming group,” Kristopher Knox wrote. “Though the Tennessee Titans had earned the No. 1 overall selection, there was no obvious choice for them at the top of the draft.

Tennessee ultimately decided to take Miami quarterback Cam Ward over Colorado corner/receiver Travis Hunter or Penn State pass-rusher Abdul Carter, the top two prospects on the Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s final draft board.”

The Titans first met with Ward at the NFL Combine. A pre-draft visit to Nashville, stellar pro day performance, and follow-up private workout solidified Ward to the Titans. New GM Mike Borgonzi was in the QB market following Will Levis’ disappointing 2024 season.

As is always the case when a quarterback is drafted highly, Tennessee’s new signal-caller brings with him a surplus of optimism,” Knox continued. “While the 23-year-old wasn’t viewed as a can’t-miss prospect in the mold of Joe Burrow or Caleb Williams, he has the tools to eventually be a star. While the Titans might not be particularly good this season—they didn’t “earn” the No. 1 pick by accident, after all—Ward’s arrival marks the start of a thrilling new chapter for Tennessee fans.”

Titans head coach Brian Callahan has been busy building an offense around Ward’s abilities. Borgonzi also acquired multiple weapons this offseason, amidst upgrading the offensive line in free agency, to help surround Ward with a better supporting cast.

The No. 1 overall quarterback has restored hope in Nashville.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...am-ward-is-titans-biggest-reason-for-optimism
 
Bleacher Report: Titans should trade for Packers WR Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers Mandatory Minicamp

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Projecting a trade for WR Romeo Doubs

The Tennessee Titans are entering training camp next week with a lot of competition at wide receiver. Calvin Ridley is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Tyler Lockett projects as a starter, and hopefully he’ll be more involved in camp than he was in OTAs and minicamp. Elsewhere, the Titans will promote position battles.

Van Jefferson, Treylon Burks, and Bryce Oliver could be options at “X” receiver if they want a veteran at the boundary spot. Rookies Elic Ayomanor, Xavier Restrepo, and Chimere Dike are also in the mix. Restrepo will fight for reps in the slot, Dike is versatile enough to play multiple positions, and Ayomanor is a traditional X.

While there’s a lot of upside in the Titans’ receiver room, there’s a lot of downside, too. Rookies are rookies, with Tennessee’s trio ranging from Day Three selections to undrafted free agents. Those rarely contribute right away. Lockett is an aging asset who didn’t physically participate in minicamp. Burks probably doesn’t make the team, and Jefferson hasn’t been effective in years.

The Bleacher Report recently wrote an article that makes eight bold predictions ahead of training camp. They have the Titans trading for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs.

Among their five wideouts, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson are on track to become free agents in 2026,” Moe Moton wrote. “Green Bay should look to deal one of them for draft capital, which would reduce the logjam at receiver. Because of Watson’s injury, he probably wouldn’t fetch as much as Doubs, who had a decent 2024 campaign with 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, last season, Doubs skipped practices due to frustrations with his role in the Packers offense. Green Bay should offer Doubs to the receiver-needy Tennessee Titans.”

The Packers are loaded at the position. They drafted Matthew Golden in the first round, and already had Doubs, Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks at receiver. They also have Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave at tight end. With Doubs entering a contract year, he could be the odd man out.

Injury limited Doubs to 13 appearances last season, but he still recorded 46 receptions for 601 yards and four touchdowns. He’d likely be the Titans’ second-best receiver behind Ridley. The rebuilding Titans aren’t in the business of trading draft capital for players right now, but acquiring Doubs could be worthwhile. He’s a 25-year-old receiver who could be worth re-signing after this campaign.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/2...itans-should-trade-for-packers-wr-romeo-doubs
 
10 players the Titans should sign to their practice squad

gettyimages-2231657545.jpg


The Tennessee Titans unveiled their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon. You followed our live cut tracker here. Practice squads and waiver claims will start taking shape on Wednesday. The Titans possess the No. 1 priority on the waiver wire, so more moves are coming.

We’ve identified 10 talents the Titans should consider signing to their practice squad.

Jermar Jefferson, RB​


Jermar Jefferson was arguably the Titans’ best running back throughout the preseason. They decided to keep in-house options Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings instead. They should try to retain Jefferson via the practice squad, and he could play an early-season role in place of Tyjae Spears if they need.

Xavier Restrepo, WR​


Xavier Restrepo wasn’t productive enough to earn a 53-man roster spot. A fan favorite and personal friend of Cam Ward, the Titans should definitely keep him around on the practice squad. Perhaps Restrepo could replace Tyler Lockett in the slot next year.

Trevor Siemian, QB​


The Titans expectedly kept just two quarterbacks, Cam Ward and Brandon Allen. Trevor Siemian replaced Tim Boyle as QB3 after the first preseason game and performed admirably in training camp. Siemian is a practice squad-caliber quarterback.

Andrew Rupcich, IOL​


Andrew Rupcich made the 53-man roster last year. The Titans had better depth across the interior this year, with Jackson Slater and Blake Hance as new additions. Rupcich started the first preseason game and is an NFL-caliber blocker.

James Proche, WR​


James Proche was arguably the Titans’ biggest surprise cut. The veteran receiver felt like a lock for the punt return job. The Titans should add Proche to the practice squad and elevate him to the game-day roster (four standard elevations from the practice squad).

Cam Horsley, DT​


Cam Horsley lacks the length the Titans desire in defensive lineman. The rookie undrafted free agent made the occasional play during the preseason though. Horsley is a quality run stopper and should continue honing his craft behind the scenes.

Ali Gaye, EDGE​


Ali Gaye was among the surprising first-wave cuts. We thought he might make the initial 53, only to be a waiver claims sacrifice later. Gaye is long with untapped athleticism, and should continue developing via the practice squad.

Julius Wood, S​


Julius Wood was surprisingly among the Titans’ first wave of releases. They possessed terrific depth at safety, with Mike Brown and Kendell Brooks also competing for one roster spot behind Quandre Diggs. Wood could get claimed on waivers.

Kendell Brooks, S​


The aforementioned Brooks was also waived. Brooks recorded the first pick-six in recent Titans preseason memory. Mike Borgonzi’s squad was deep at safety, but a practice squad opportunity should be floated his way.

Carlos Watkins, DT​


Carlos Watkins very nearly made the 53-man roster as the final defensive tackle (That honor went to Timmy Horne). The veteran Watkins is an experienced NFL player. You’re only allowed a few of those on the practice squad.

Source: https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/t...he-titans-should-sign-to-their-practice-squad
 
Back
Top