The Detroit Lions finished the 2025 NFL season at 9-8, barely enough to extend their streak of consecutive winning seasons to four. However, it’s a steep decline from their 12- and 15-win campaigns in 2023 and 2024, which earned them back-to-back NFC North division titles.
Therefore, the Lions must retool their roster to return to relevance. One way to do so is by trading for a perennial Pro Bowler who is languishing on a struggling team. Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports proposed that the Lions consider trading for Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Trading for Jeffery Simmons Is a High-risk, High-reward Move
“The Titans didn’t trade Simmons at the deadline last year, and it’s difficult to envision new coach Robert Saleh wanting to part with his best player now. However, the contract is set to expire after next season, and it’s uncertain whether the Titans will be competitive by then,” Vacchiano wrote.
Saleh deserves credit for turning a ragtag defensive unit into a vital component of their surprising playoff berth. He could pull off the same feat, but copying that success hinges on Simmons, who earned a First-Team All-Pro selection after finishing the 2025 season with 67 combined tackles and 11 sacks.
But unlike the 49ers, which have offensive weapons like Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brock Purdy, the Titans’ offense lacks the same firepower. In fact, the Titans’ two Pro Bowlers from last season were from their defense (Simmons) and special teams (Chimere Dike).
Vacchiano’s suggestion could work because Simmons will play for a legitimate contender. He will also feed off the attention devoted to defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who is coming off a 14.5-sack season. He ranked No. 6 overall on PFSN’s NFL Edge Impact metrics.
Similarly, having Simmons on the D-line eases the pressure on Hutchinson.
Opposing O-lines will think twice about doubling Hutchinson because Simmons could have a free path to the quarterback. Working together could increase the Lions’ pass rush, which generated 49 sacks, tied for fourth-most last season.
While finalizing a trade for Simmons gives the Lions a menacing pass rush, it comes at a high price. The Lions must absorb the remaining two years on the four-year, $94 million contract extension Simmons signed with the Titans during the 2023 offseason. He will have a $25,625,019 cap hit in 2026 and $28,510,843 in 2027.
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In addition to Simmons potentially eating a sizable share of the Lions’ salary cap, they must give away precious draft picks to acquire the former Mississippi State standout. Vacchiano suggested that Detroit can trade their 2026 first-round selection (17th overall) and a 2027 second-round pick.
It’s a risky move, considering that the Lions also have needs at offensive tackle, guard, and safety, according to the Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator.
