The Titans got an extraordinary return for Jeffery Simmons. Recent NFL history suggests that trading a star for draft capital can help turn a losing franchise around.
By MIKE HERNDON, columnist
The Titans rebuild can’t seem to get into first gear. Tennessee now has a 1-6 record through seven games for the third consecutive season, giving fans yet another year of mock drafts before Halloween.
They’re an abysmal 7-34 since the start of the 2024 season, worst in the NFL by a three-game margin. They are sporting a point differential of negative-391 over that period, also worst in the NFL and a whopping 61 points behind the 31st-ranked Raiders and a clean 101 points behind the 30th-ranked Browns.
They rank 31st in scoring over that period, leading only the Browns, while also having the 30th-ranked scoring defense.
If it feels like you’ve been watching the worst team in the NFL, it’s because you have.
They’ve tried changing coaches (twice).
They’ve tried changing GMs (twice, thrice if you count Chad Brinker’s meandering path through front office leadership).
They’ve tried drafting two different quarterbacks, including one with the top overall pick of the draft.
They’ve tried trading for established stars (hello, L’Jarius Snead).
They’ve tried splashing money in free agency.
None of it has moved the needle.
Now, they’re trying life without their one true star player through all of this mess. Trading Jeffery Simmons is the Titans' next attempt to get things rolling in Music City, and recent history suggests it’s worth trying, even if it angers a fan base teetering on the edge of insanity.
