Aidan Hutchinson Jeffery Simmons
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FOX Sports's Ralph Vacchiano proposed the Detroit Lions acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to help Aidan Hutchinson.
The Detroit Lions have one of the best defensive line building blocks in the league with Aidan Hutchinson at defensive end. The 25-year-old is already a two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro defensive end with Defensive Player of the Year aspirations.
But once again this offseason, the Lions are searching for help along the defensive line this offseason to take attention away from Hutchinson.
This week, FOX Sports’s Ralph Vacchiano suggested a solution — All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
Vacchiano proposed the Lions trade their 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder to the Tennessee Titans for Simmons.
“The Titans didn’t trade Simmons at the deadline last year, and it’s hard to imagine new coach Robert Saleh would want to part with his best player now,” wrote Vacchiano. “But the clock is ticking on a contract that expires after next season, and will the Titans be any good by then?
“The Lions, meanwhile, have their own clock ticking on contention and desperately need help on the defensive line to avoid Aidan Hutchinson drawing constant double-teams. Add a DT like Simmons and their pass rush could be fierce again, making them an instant contender.
“That could be worth what should be a very hefty price.”
As a defensive tackle, Simmons wouldn’t play opposite Hutchinson. But Simmons, who the Titans signed to a 4-year, $94 million contract, would bolster Detroit’s defensive line from the interior.
The Titans defensive lineman made first-team All-Pro last season with a career-high 11 sacks. He also had 17 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and three pass defenses.
In addition to his 2025 first-team All-Pro bid, Simmons has made second-team All-Pro twice. Over seven NFL seasons, he’s also earned four Pro Bowl nominations.
Why the Lions Should Consider Trading for Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons
GettyFOX Sports’s Ralph Vacchiano proposed a trade where Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons could land with the Detroit Lions.
The Simmons trade pitch Vacciano made was similar to others analysts have suggested over the past few offseasons. It’s an all-in move to help the Lions immediately push for the Super Bowl.
That’s not a deal a non-playoff team from the prior season typically makes. But just a year ago, the Lions were coming off a 15-2 campaign where they dominated the league.
With Simmons, the Lions could transform their defense, giving them an interior lineman and edge rusher with double-digit sack potential.
Over the past five seasons, Simmons has averaged 7.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 14 quarterback hits per campaign. Last year, he proved to be only getting better with career highs in most categories.
Simmons is signed to his $94 million contract through 2027. That would give the Lions a two-year window with the potent Hutchinson-Simmons tandem.
Detroit’s Defensive Linemen Other than Aidan Hutchinson
Aidan Hutchinson Jeffery Simmons
GettyFOX Sports’s Ralph Vacchiano proposed the Detroit Lions acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to help Aidan Hutchinson.
Trading their first-round pick for Simmons would mean the Lions don’t land a top edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Detroit could also use that selection to help the offensive line or secondary.
Those needs make a Lions trade for Simmons unlikely this spring.
But defensive tackle is also an underrated need in Detroit. The team lost veteran defensive tackle D.J. Reader to NFL free agency.
The Lions still have veteran defensive tackle Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams. But Reader led the position group with 583 defensive snaps in 2025.
Simmons would provide an upgrade and depth along the defensive line interior in Detroit.
The Lions also have Levi Onwuzurike, Chris Smith, Mekhi Wingo and Myles Adams as interior defensive linemen on their offseason roster.
At edge rusher, the Lions signed D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner in NFL free agency. Those two additions could justify Detroit prioritizing defensive tackle over edge rusher.
The Lions also have edge defenders Tyler Lacy and Ahmed Hassanein on the roster.