Jeffrey Simmons is a star defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans. He can both stop the run and rush the passer from the 3-technique alignment on the defensive line. When Simmons finds his rhythm, he has the ability to take over any game. Just last year he had four games with 5 or more total pressures. At 25 years old, he would fill a need for the Eagles defense after the loss of Javon Hargrave.
While there are differences between Hargrave and Simmons as players, the idea of signing Simmons after letting Hargrave walk brings up the obvious objection. Why would the Eagles let Hargrave go, just to pay another high-profile defensive tackle over the offseason? Furthermore, Simmons would likely cost a first or second round pick in addition to his contract.
While I would love to see Jeffrey Simmons in an Eagles uniform, the Eagles are under big cap constraints with the impending extension of Jalen hurts. Even if trading for and signing Simmons is possible, no one besides the Eagles front office knows if the move would even be financially responsible, because no one knows exactly what Hurts is going to be paid.
Frankly, not knowing Hurts’ contract details leaves me undecided on whether or not the Eagles should make a move for Jeffrey Simmons. I definitely believe that replacing Javon Hargrave with another elite interior pass-rusher should be a priority for the Eagles’ front office. But I don’t know if Simmons on a big contract is the best solution.
In my opinion, the Eagles should address their need for a defensive tackle through the draft. Drafting a defensive tackle like Jalen Carter or Calijah Kancey with one of their first round picks would provide more surplus value for Philadelphia, because they would be paying less for similar production.