Simmons' Blockbuster Extension Elevates Bengals' Dexter Lawrence Trade
Titans DT Jeffery Simmons’ three-year, $105.8 million extension with $100 million guaranteed tops the market and makes him the highest-paid DT in NFL history, which in turn makes Cincinnati’s deal for Dexter Lawrence look like a major steal. Lawrence was acquired for a No. 10 pick and signed for three years at about $70 million ($23 million per year), a far lower annual price than Simmons’ new rate. The contrast underscores the Bengals’ cap flexibility to keep their core (Burrow, Chase, Higgins) while building a strong all-around defense around Lawrence, who is viewed as a franchise piece.
