Since Mike Vrabel joined the New England Patriots staff during the 2025 offseason, there has been a long list of current and former Titans players predicted to reunite with their old head coach in one way or another.
We've already seen it happen with several players, such as linebacker Harold Landry III and, most recently, wide receiver A.J. Brown. But there have also been some other big names on the ever-growing list that have become more of a dream reunion in the minds of Patriots fans, and probably Vrabel, too.
Among the most desirable has long been defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who came onto the Patriots' radar last season. The decision to fire their head coach early on prompted many to urge New England to call about the defender's availability, and that remained the case throughout this offseason.
Given his pedigree as a 4-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro coming off an 11 sack season, it's clear why Patriots fans would want him on the roster. Simmons's respect and admiration for Vrabel only amplified that.
But the reunion is no longer a dream worth imagining, as the Titans announced on Friday afternoon that they had reached an agreement on a massive 3-year extension worth $105.8 million, making Simmons the highest-paid defensive tackle in league history.
The Patriots need to shift their dream trade idea to someone else after Jeffery Simmons' extension
Because the defensive line is still a concern for the Patriots' upcoming season, especially their pass rush, Simmons made a lot of sense to be on their trade radar, even if it would require making another blockbuster offer to get a deal signed.
His connection to Vrabel and his experience in the league would have been invaluable for what they're trying to accomplish, and it's fair to believe that Eliot Wolf had a chance to make an offer before the Titans hired their new head coach.
Now that Robert Saleh is calling the shots in Tennessee and he's a defensive-minded head coach that players love to play for, it's not exactly surprising to see that a player like Simmons wants to stick around and see what the Titans can be under new leadership.
Perhaps that means the Patriots never had a legitimate shot at acquiring him, and maybe Vrabel's tense past with the organization would also be a roadblock in getting a deal done. But now, it doesn't matter, because Simmons is staying in the AFC South.
He becomes the latest defender to be crossed off the Patriots' list of potential trades this offseason, and now they'll have to look elsewhere for help on the edge.
Although Vrabel seems comfortable with the current roster, that's not widely agreed upon by analysts and fans, so they'll have to settle concerns through their performance at training camp next month. Otherwise, the conversation about adding another player like Simmons to the group won't end any time soon.
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