Feb. 8, 2026, 10:26 a.m. ET

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is a man of many words and opinions, and he’s never afraid to share them. 

In a recent interview on Radio Row at the Super Bowl, Simmons shared his thoughts on a variety of topics, from head coach Robert Saleh to who the Titans should draft in the first round. But it was his comments on defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat that should have Titans fans excited. 

“He got it. He got it. He just, like I say, it’s getting over that hump. He’s got to tap into it. Getting over that hump. And it’s the same thing as any football player would tell you is how can I tap into that different place?” Simmons said, “So, man, I’m excited to, I mean, he’s still a young player.

“I knew where I was going in Year 3. He just finished Year 2, so I knew where I was at. So, it’s not one of those things to where I’m like bound to like wait, you gotta do this, you gotta do that. But it’s also one of the things to where I’m trying to preach to him because I see the potential.”

Conditioning and effort were a couple of the red flags that pushed Sweat down during the draft, and were some of the reasons why the Titans were able to grab him in the second round. But now listening to Simmons, it sounds like the talented defensive tackle is ready to take a giant step forward and is excited about the possibility. 

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With the Titans likely adding some pieces to their defensive front in 2026, a healthy and motivated Sweat playing next to Simmons could help Tennessee’s defense take it up a notch this season.