Titans owner gave John Harbaugh the same answer after Giants coach bypassed GM over Simmons
· Yahoo Sports
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly went directly to Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk in an attempt to land Jeffery Simmons, only to receive the same answer he had already been given by the team’s general manager.
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The Giants were among several teams interested in acquiring the All-Pro defensive tackle before the NFL trade deadline, but Titans GM Mike Borgonzi initially made it clear that Simmons was not available.
According to The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones, Harbaugh decided to approach Strunk personally after the Giants’ initial efforts failed.
Tennessee Titans owner refused to overrule Mike Borgonzi over Jeffery Simmons
Jones reported that Harbaugh’s decision to contact the Titans owner directly broke with traditional NFL trade negotiations.
“Multiple sources tell The Athletic the Giants head coach called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly in an attempt to trade for the All-Pro defensive tackle, breaking with traditional NFL trade-talk norms,” Jones reported.
However, Strunk reportedly told Harbaugh that the decision rested with Borgonzi and that she would not overrule her general manager.
“Harbaugh got the same message from Strunk, who has empowered Borgonzi to make football decisions for the franchise,” Jones added.
Despite the Giants’ interest, Simmons eventually joined the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster trade. Chicago agreed to send Tennessee its 2027 first- and fourth-round picks, along with a 2028 first-round selection, while receiving a 2028 fifth-round pick in return.
The Titans’ position on Simmons had changed after a difficult start to the season. Tennessee entered the campaign looking to rebuild under head coach Robert Saleh but fell to 1-6 after seven games, following consecutive 3-14 seasons.
Simmons had also signed a three-year, $105.9 million contract in the off-season, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league at the time.
According to Jones, Tennessee’s leadership discussed the team’s direction before deciding to listen to offers for the veteran defender.
Borgonzi ultimately accepted Chicago’s proposal after receiving a call from Bears general manager Ryan Poles, whom he has known since their time at Boston College and later with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Speaking after the trade, Borgonzi explained why the deal came together:
“I got a phone call late last night from a person I have known for a while, Ryan Poles, GM with the Bears, and he’s really the only person that came out and said: Would you accept this?”
Harbaugh’s approach failed to bring Simmons to New York, leaving the Giants to explore other options as they look to strengthen their defensive line.
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