NASHVILLE — We are nearly a week removed from the blockbuster deal that saw star edge defender Myles Garrett traded. The Cleveland Browns just gave the tennessee/">Tennessee Titans their worst-case Jeffery Simmons scenario if things don’t turn around.
Simmons is a foundational piece, but the rebuild in Tennessee cannot be deterred by sentimentality.
That could very well be the Titans if things go to plan in 2026.
A new, veteran staff under coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley could really help Simmons take his game to yet another level. Giving quarterback Cam Ward former Giants head coach Brian Daboll as a play-caller was a godsend. Drafting receiver Carnell Tate at No. 4 overall should also help raise the floor of a 3-14 team significantly.
There must always be contingency plans, however.
Cleveland traded a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Browns got back two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Jared Verse, a first-round draft pick in 2027, a second-round pick in 2028 and a third-rounder in 2029. It is considered one of the biggest trades involving a defensive player in league history.
Since drafting the perennial All-Pro No. 1 overall in 2017, the Browns only made it to the postseason twice (2020, 2023). Garrett’s lone playoff victory came in that COVID-stricken year against their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Garrett’s accomplishments, though vast, are individual. Garrett, 30, set the NFL’s all-time single-season sack record in 2025 for a 5-12 Cleveland squad.
He is regarded as the best defensive player in football, and now has the opportunity to win a Super Bowl with the Rams.
Things in Tennessee are more optimistic around Ward. Titans general manager flipped the roster to the tune of more than 30 new players added through free agency and the NFL Draft. Simmons is coming off of a career-best season in terms of sacks.
Saleh has the right cast to both meaningfully improve Simmons production and the rest of the defensive unit in Tennessee.
Still, should the worst come to pass, Tennessee Titans fans must be prepared for drastic measures. All options must be on the table moving forward to help dig the team out of this ditch its been in.
Tennessee returns to OTAs on Monday, June 8.
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