Giants’ Simmons Pursuit Signals Deadline Ambition

The Giants’ interest in Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons points to a team willing to strengthen its roster despite losing quarterback Jackson Dart for the season. New York is confident it can remain competitive with J.J. McCarthy, and has been looking for help on the interior of its defensive line since trading Dexter Lawrence.

Giants coach John Harbaugh called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about Simmons and left a voicemail that went unanswered. General manager Joe Schoen had already contacted Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi and been told the team would not trade Simmons. The direct appeal to the owner was viewed as an unusual move after that rejection.

Simmons has drawn interest from more than half the NFL, with teams making inquiries at several points over the past year and a half, including before the draft and at the trade deadline. The Giants have also explored other defensive tackle options.

New York recently extended cornerback Greg Newsome, a move described as creating immediate salary-cap relief and potentially giving the team more flexibility. A possible deal for Simmons would force the Giants to weigh the cost of pursuing a proven player against the draft picks it might take to acquire him.

The Giants’ decision to trade Lawrence has also shaped the debate over their search for a replacement. One view in the discussion was that Simmons is a better player than Lawrence, while the broader question is whether New York should have kept Lawrence rather than now spend assets to fill the position.