Robert Saleh just pulled the trigger on a trade that had to sting, sending defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons to the Bears for their next two first-round draft picks. The Titans coach, staring down a brutal 1-6 record, clearly felt like he had no other option.
When You’re 1-6, Teams Start Fishing
You hate to see a team in this position, but Saleh was blunt about the reality facing his 1-6 Titans. While he insists they weren’t “shopping any of our guys,” the calls started coming once that losing record settled in. And when a team is struggling like that, a massive offer becomes impossible to ignore. Saleh said it himself, describing how other teams start “fishing” when you don’t close out games. The Bears apparently threw a “hook big enough” that, according to Saleh, “I don’t think any of us could’ve said no to.” That’s the cold, hard truth of a tough season: sometimes the price for a player is simply too good to pass up, even if it hurts.
“Everything About It Sucks. Unfortunately, Necessary.”
You can tell this move absolutely tore at Saleh, and frankly, who could blame him? He considers Simmons “by far” the best defensive tackle in the entire NFL. Think about that for a second! He also called Simmons an “elite football player” and an “even better person,” an “elite leader.” Losing a guy like that, especially when you think so highly of him, has to be brutal. Saleh didn’t mince words, saying, “It’s tough. … It sucks. Everything about it sucks. Unfortunately, necessary.” He even declined to share what he said to Simmons in their final conversation, calling it “Very, very, very tough.” It just goes to show the brutal decisions that get made when a season spirals, even when it means saying goodbye to a foundational player.
This trade clearly changes the entire outlook for the Titans, and you have to wonder what else could be coming down the pipe. It’s a stark reminder that a 1-6 record forces uncomfortable realities, no matter how much you love your players.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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