Jeffery Simmons on sitting out practice: My focus is not on my contract

On3 image — NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 12: Tennessee Titans Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) talks to his teammates prior to a NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans on November 12, 2020 at LP Field in Nashville TN.(Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)

The Tennessee Titans star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons‘s absence from OTA’s has been noticeable. Some have speculated that his absence is due primarily to a contract dispute. However, Simmons set the record straight on Wednesday as to why he is currently sitting out practice.

“I’m here to play football,” Simmons said via TitanInsider.com. “I’ve got a team around me that handles my contract situations and my future and all that. I’m focused on training and getting ready for the season. I’m on a plan. I’ve been talking to Coach Vrabs (Mike Vrabel) and Todd (Toriscelli) and everyone. My focus is not on my contract. That’s why I’ve got a team around me. They can focus on all the contract talk and whatever may be, if there is contract talks.”

Simmons was a first-round steal for the Titans. Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Mississippi State Bulldogs was viewed as a top-five talent. However, he would fall to Tennessee at No. 19 due to concerns about a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. Simmons did miss seven games in his rookie season but has been a fixture in the Titans’ defense since then. Simmons played in all but one game over the last two seasons.

The Titans don’t have much to worry about as of now. Simmons has been present at Tennessee’s OTA’s despite the peculiar situation of him not practicing. The Titans will have to play the waiting game and see if Simmons will be ready and on the field come the start of preseason training camp.

Mississippi State defense 2022 STOCK – HOLDING

State’s defense was solid in 2021, and Zach Arnett’s unit brings back plenty of experience.

The Mississippi State Bulldogs were at their best against the run, ranking No. 3 in the SEC. The defensive line returns its four most important bodies (namely Nathan Pickering, Jaden Crumedy), while a veteran trio of Nathaniel Watson, Tyrus Wheat and Jett Johnson headline their linebacker unit. There’s depth at the ‘backer position, too, where a guy like DeShawn Page is pushing to crack the rotation.

MSU was gashed at times through the air last season, so it hopes a reshuffled secondary, coupled with the return of pass rushers Jordan Davis, who missed all of 2021 with a torn ACL, and De’Monte Russell will help improve both its pass defense and havoc rate.

The Bulldogs had just 27 sacks and only 69 tackles for loss last season.