Titans' $105.8M Deal Makes Bengals' Dexter Lawrence Trade Look Like a Steal
New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx
New York Giants defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence 97 talks with media during training camp at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. /CSM East Rutherford United States - ZUMAc04_ 20250723_zma_c04_146 Copyright: xDuncanxWilliamsx
The football market just got much more expensive for defensive players. The Tennessee Titans made a huge move by giving star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons a giant three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. NFL insider Ian Rapoport shared the news on X:
“The #Titans and All-Pro Jeff Simmons agreed to a deal making him the highest paid DT in NFL history, per me & @MikeGarafolo. The 3-year, $105.8M extension with $100M guaranteed and was negotiated by Todd France and A.J. Stevens of @athletesfirst. Confirmed on IG by @toddfrance_” Rapoport posted.
According to reports, this major deal pays Simmons over $35 million per year. Overcoming the previous high, which was Chris Jones’ $31.8 million. For this reason, fans are praising the Cincinnati Bengals for a smart move they made earlier.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass and runs toward the endzone during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818573
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 28: Dexter Lawrence 97 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass and runs toward the endzone during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 28, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA SEP 28 Chargers at Giants EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon25092818573
The Bengals traded a first-round draft pick, No. 10 overall, to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence before the defensive tackle market took another leap.
Lawrence is one of the league's premier interior defenders. In his first seven seasons, he recorded 341 tackles and 30.5 sacks across 109 games.
The timing of the move is what stands out. Had Cincinnati waited until after Simmons reset the market, acquiring and extending an elite defensive tackle could have become significantly more expensive. Instead, the Bengals secured Lawrence before another jump in positional salaries.
Dexter Lawrence Focused On Proving Bengals' Investment Was Worth It
The Bengals may be done with offseason practices, but Lawrence is still focused on preparing for training camp as he settles into his new team.
Lawrence's approach to the offseason is also part of why Cincinnati believes the trade will pay off. As the Bengals look to maximize their investment, the veteran defender has already turned his attention toward preparing for training camp.
Lawrence explained his mindset to SI.com, “Be like a boxer... Before they go into their fight, you got to put your head down and train. That’s what it’s about.”
The Bengals traded for the veteran player to boost their defense and bring leadership to the locker room. Lawrence further showed his excitement as well for playing and learning with the team to win.
"I'm just excited to keep growing with them, and learning … I'm embracing it, and I enjoy it. It's just about winning and doing what you can to win and do what you can to help everybody else around you be successful," Lawrence said.
Simmons' extension reset the market, making Cincinnati's earlier move for Lawrence look even more valuable in hindsight.
Do you think DT Dexter Lawrence was a steal? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Aaindri Thakuri
Edited by
Rudra Dubey