Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was picked by Dallas Cowboys DT Quinnen Williams to win the 2026 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Simmons was named first-team All-Pro at defensive tackle in 2025. The 28-year-old recorded 11 sacks, three forced fumbles as well as three passes defended in 2025. Simmons led the NFL in safeties with one. Heralded by his peers throughout the year, Simmons’ latest co-sign comes from Williams to take home the NFL’s top individual defensive honor at the end of next season.
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According to Tennesseetitans.com’s Jim Wyatt, Williams is inclined toward Simmons winning DPOY in 2026.
”Jeffery Simmons might be Defensive Player of the Year next year,” Williams said.
Simmons put together his body of work in only 15 games played last season. The Mississippi State product’s prior career-high in sacks (8.5) came in 2021 — the only season he’s played a full 17 games in during his career. Simmons also recorded six passes defended that year.
Williams owns a 2-0 record against Simmons in career regular season play. The Cowboys, led by Williams, will play against the Titans, led by Simmons in 2026. The exact date of the matchup has yet to be released to the public.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Quinnen Williams picks Titans’ Jeffery Simmons to win 2026 DPOY