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LAS VEGAS – The now for Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons is he's here at another Pro Bowl, enjoying himself with family, teammates, and some of the NFL's best players.
"It's good to surround yourself with greats, and there are some goats here – future Hall of Famers," Simmons said on Saturday. "It's been an unbelievable week."
The future is also on the mind of one of Tennessee's biggest stars, and he's feeling pretty good about that as well.
Before today's AFC practice at Allegiant Stadium, site of Sunday's Pro Bowl Games, Simmons he's very happy about the team's recent hiring of general manager Ran Carthon.
The two met recently, not long after Carthon was chosen by controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. Simmons said they had a great conversation.
"One thousand percent he's a great hire," Simmons said of Carthon. "I think Miss Amy made a hell of a hire. The time we talked, and I sat down in his office, it was unbelievable. He's an unbelievable guy. I can't say nothing bad about him. My first impression was out the window."
Simmons, who is under contract for 2023, is a candidate for a contract extension, of course
Simmons said Carthon didn't make any promises in the meeting, but he did make him feel pretty good about his future in Tennessee.
"We had a great talk, and him saying I am one of his priorities, that meant a lot," Simmons said of Carthon. "I feel like he is the person for this job. There's not much I can say especially with talk of the contract – my (agent) is handling that. But whenever we get to that point – I feel very confident that I'll be here in Tennessee, and I want to be in Tennessee. So, we'll see how that goes."
Simmons has been one of the team's most dominant players since being selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He was named second team All-Pro in 2022 after finishing the year with 53 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 43 quarterback pressures and nine tackles for a loss.
Simmons is aware some changes may be coming in Tennessee.
"I know the locker room is going to change," Simmons said. "But I am looking forward to seeing what (Ran) and coach (Mike) Vrabel can build. Hopefully we can get past what we (have) and win some championships in Tennessee."
Simmons said he's spent the past few weeks getting healthy after dealing with an ankle injury most of the season.
His plan moving forward is to get even better moving forward.
"I think it's just consistency with me, my technique," Simmons said. "And when I talked to Vrabel, when I am playing with my technique and what he is teaching and coaching, can't no one block me. So, the big thing is for me to be consistent with my technique and fundamentals. If I'm good there, I'm going to be good."
