When a struggling team makes a dramatic coaching change, the entire league notices. That was the case when the Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan on Oct. 13 after a 4-19 record in fewer than two seasons.
While there will be plenty of fallout for Tennessee in the coming months, the immediate fallout across the NFL was this: Seemingly everyone called the Titans to see if star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was available ahead of the league's Nov. 4 trade deadline.
Sources explained that multiple teams called to gauge the availability of Simmons, one of the top players at his position in the league, in the hours and days after Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk made the decision to fire Callahan.
Those interested were told clearly that Simmons is not available, sources say.
Simmons will play in Sunday's game against the New England Patriots -- led by old Tennessee HC Mike Vrabel -- and moving forward for the Titans, who have interim head coach Mike McCoy at the helm.
Tennessee will embark on a methodical, deliberate coaching search that should include some of the top names like Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Steelers OC Arthur Smith, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Broncos DC Vance Joseph and others.
The reality is that these trade conversations happen across the league, with the haves calling the have-nots attempting to acquire their best players. Opposing general managers and fan bases can fantasize about Simmons playing in their uniform, however, the demoralizing effects from fire sales can break down teams that are already struggling on the field.
Simmons, still just 28 years old and with two years remaining on his contract after 2025, is likely looking at a massive contract extension this offseason in Tennessee, as he is among the pieces to build around for the future, along with rookie quarterback Cam Ward and some others. Simmons is on his way to a career year already with 4.5 sacks (T-most among defensive tackles), 28 total tackles (eight for a loss), 23 QB pressures (second-most for DTs) and a whopping 11 QB hits through six games (most for DTs and tied for eighth-most in the NFL).
Meanwhile, several other Titans players are drawing interest around the league and would be more available. That list includes cornerback Roger McCreary, outside linebacker Arden Key, and edge Dre'Mont Jones.
Here is a look at some other trade buzz around the NFL, according to sources informed of the situation:
- Several teams have called the Dolphins about star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and sources say those teams have been told Miami has no interest in trading him. Similar to Simmons for Tennessee, dealing Waddle would signal a look to the future rather than trying to win now. While things can change, it seems far more likely Miami would be willing to deal an edge rusher (perhaps Matt Judon, Bradley Chubb or even Jaelan Phillips).
- The Jets are a target for teams, as well. Running back Breece Hall has gotten the headlines, but there appears to be more of a chance that a defender like cornerback Michael Carter II could be dealt. Perhaps even 2022 first-round pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II, a pick of the previous regime, could be traded.
- A few teams have spotlighted Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers as a potential trade target. With win-now coach Pete Carroll, though, it's not a given the organization agrees to a trade that hurts them in the present. Las Vegas has made no out-going calls. Meyers, who requested a trade in August to no avail, also is in the final year of his contract and could be a rental for an acquiring team.
- The Steelers are, once again, in the market for a receiver, sources say. Their offense has thrived by featuring multiple tight ends, but the addition of a speed threat to pair with DK Metcalf would help Aaron Rodgers and the offense.
- While Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has spoken openly about having the "ammo" for a trade to bolster the defense, those talks are at best exploratory, sources say. Dallas doesn't appear to be moving quickly toward any trade.
- Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings, a starter the past two seasons, has been relegated to backup duties and teams in need of depth have mentioned his name as a possible trade candidate.
- The Ravens have been calling around the league for defensive help, which makes sense given GM Eric DeCosta's trade-happy ways and their laundry list of injuries.
