- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Tennessee Titans devoted more offseason resources to their defensive line than any other position under new coach Robert Saleh, yet the unit has produced just 10 sacks through five games, tying for 25th in the NFL.
Tennessee committed $71 million in 2026 free agency contracts to defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, Jordan Elliott, Jacob Martin and Malik Herring. The club also traded for edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II and selected Keldric Faulk 31st overall. Despite the spending, opposing quarterbacks average 2.99 seconds before throwing, the third most time in the league.
Jeffery Simmons anchors the group after signing a three-year, $105.8 million extension last June. He has played 85.2 percent of defensive snaps, far exceeding a typical 60 percent rotation, while drawing double teams at an 81.1 percent rate. Simmons has recorded 19 pressures and shares the team lead with 2.5 sacks alongside Martin, who also leads Tennessee with six QB hits.
The Titans have forced 0.4 turnovers per game, last in the NFL. They face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, seeking to end an 11-game losing streak in the series. The Colts have allowed nine sacks, tied for fifth fewest.
Source: ESPN - Sat Oct 17, 6:00 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).