New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh directly contacted Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk to inquire about trading star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, a move that reportedly surprised the franchise leadership. According to The Athletic, Harbaugh broke established protocol by reaching out to the team’s principal owner rather than navigating standard general manager channels. Strunk firmly rebuffed the inquiry, signaling to the Giants that the Titans had no intention of moving their highest-paid player despite intense market interest.
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The direct outreach from Harbaugh highlights the high stakes surrounding Simmons, an eight-year veteran who was the focal point of the Titans’ defensive line. Before the 2026 season, Simmons publicly stated his desire to remain in Tennessee long-term, reiterating on October 28 that he had no interest in leaving as the NFL trade deadline approached. While multiple teams had previously expressed interest in acquiring the defensive anchor, negotiations never gained significant traction until the final days of the deadline window.
Ultimately, the Titans traded Simmons to the Chicago Bears on October 29, a deal facilitated by the longstanding relationship between Bears GM Ryan Poles and Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, former colleagues at Boston College. Borgonzi confirmed the agreement was reached in just over 12 hours. In exchange for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick, Tennessee secured a 2027 first-round and fourth-round pick, along with a 2028 first-round selection, marking a significant shift in the team’s defensive strategy.
Source: Yahoo Sports
