The Tennessee Titans have made a significant move ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline by trading All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears. In return, the Titans received two first-round draft picks, which is a pivotal part of their rebuilding strategy as the November 10 deadline approaches. Tennessee acquired Chicago's first-round picks for 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027, while giving up Simmons and a fifth-round pick in 2028. This deal provides the Titans with valuable flexibility as they continue to build around their young quarterback, Cam Ward.
Looking ahead, the Titans should consider another defensive trade, this time involving a less prominent player for a more modest return. Defensive end Jacob Martin has shown himself to be a productive pass rusher during an otherwise disappointing season, making him an attractive target for a contender.
Trading Martin to the Detroit Lions for a fourth-round draft pick would allow Tennessee to benefit from his current strong performance while giving younger defensive players more opportunities to contribute.
Titans must trade Jacob Martin to Lions before NFL trade deadline
Martin has quietly emerged as one of the most productive players on Tennessee's defensive front, delivering a career-best performance at a crucial moment in the season. In Week 8, the veteran defensive end recorded three sacks against Cincinnati, consistently disrupting Joe Burrow, even though the Titans ultimately lost the game 43-36. His standout performance included a critical fourth-down sack that forced a turnover on downs, showcasing his ability to deliver impactful plays against a strong passing offense.
Martin finished the game with four tackles and six quarterback pressures, bringing his season total to 6.5 sacks through eight games. This figure already surpasses his previous career high of 5.5 sacks, which he set with Washington last season, and he has achieved at least half a sack in five games this year, providing Tennessee with more consistent pressure than many had anticipated when he joined the team. His contributions become particularly interesting given the current state of the Titans, and with a record of 1-7 as they head into their Week 9 bye, the franchise faces limited realistic postseason ambitions. While Martin delivered an encouraging performance against Cincinnati, the Titans are still in the early stages of building a competitive roster that can challenge the strongest teams in the AFC South.
Although Martin can significantly aid in this development, his age and experience position him as a different kind of asset compared to the younger players that Tennessee needs to focus on for the future. The defensive end will turn 31 in December, and his strongest stretch of production has coincided with several potential contenders looking to enhance their pass rush.
Why Detroit would benefit from acquiring Martin
Detroit offers an intriguing destination for football fans as the Lions have the talent to compete for the NFC North title, though they are still seeking greater defensive consistency. Dan Campbell's team enters Week 9 with a 5-2 record, averaging 29 points per game while allowing 25.7, and these statistics highlight the contrast between a high-performing offense capable of supporting a championship run and a defense that still gives opponents chances to stay competitive.
The Lions boast accomplished defensive linemen, including Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Wonnum, and Alim McNeill. Hutchinson and Wonnum have each recorded five sacks this season, while McNeill has added another 4.5 from the interior. As a result, there is no immediate need for Detroit to replace its established starters. However, adding a player like Martin could strengthen their rotation and provide defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard with another experienced option for obvious passing situations. This distinction is significant as the regular season progresses.
Detroit's defensive front has enough talent to generate pressure, but relying too heavily on the same players over long games can lead to issues as opponents adjust their protection schemes. Introducing Martin would allow the Lions to distribute snaps more effectively, especially when Hutchinson or Wonnum needs a short rest, and his experience in various defensive systems could also make him valuable in specialized packages focused on attacking the quarterback, rather than taking on every-down assignments.
The Lions' secondary has faced considerable challenges this season, increasing the burden on the defensive front to prevent opposing quarterbacks from finding comfortable throwing situations. A stronger pass-rushing rotation could help lessen the time that defensive backs must maintain coverage, particularly against teams that can exploit multiple areas of the field.
Tennessee should prioritize its younger defensive talent
The strongest argument for trading Martin revolves around the potential impact his departure could have on Tennessee's rebuilding process. The Titans have already made significant investments in their defensive front, acquiring Jermaine Johnson II from the New York Jets during the offseason and selecting Keldric Faulk in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson plays a vital role in Robert Saleh's defensive strategy, while Faulk represents a young player whose development could significantly influence the organization's success in the coming years.
Femi Oladejo also offers another developmental option, providing Tennessee with opportunities to distribute defensive snaps among players who could become crucial contributors in the long run. If Martin were to leave, additional opportunities would open up for this group, especially during a season where Tennessee's competitive outlook has already been significantly weakened. Faulk has played in all eight games, registering his first NFL sack while gradually adapting to the demands of professional football, and gradually increasing his responsibilities could help the coaching staff evaluate how well he handles more challenging tasks.
The Titans would still have veterans available to provide leadership, including Johnson and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. This remaining experience is essential because trading Simmons has already removed one of the team's most influential defensive leaders. Saleh needs to maintain a competitive environment while giving younger players enough room to develop. Trading every productive veteran would undermine this goal, making it crucial to differentiate between players who are central to the rebuild and those whose trade value might surpass their future contributions.
What the Titans should demand in a Jacob Martin trade
A fourth-round selection represents an ambitious but reasonable asking price for Martin, particularly given his current performance and contract situation. He signed a two-year agreement with Tennessee during the offseason and will remain under contract until 2027. This means that any team acquiring him would not face the immediate risk of losing him in free agency.
Martin's scheduled cap charge for 2027 is approximately $5.5 million, which is a manageable commitment for a contender looking to strengthen its pass-rushing depth, and while Tennessee would still be responsible for certain accounting obligations linked to previously paid bonuses, a trade would eliminate the remaining salary commitments that would transfer to the acquiring team. This financial commitment makes Martin more appealing than a veteran who might demand an expensive contract extension. However, his age and past performance might limit how aggressively other teams pursue him.
Detroit could start negotiations with a fifth-round pick, but Tennessee should initially aim for a fourth-round compensation, considering that Martin has had a career-best season and has another year left on his contract. If the Lions are unwilling to meet this valuation, General Manager Ryan Borgonzi should be ready to contact other contenders rather than settle for an unacceptably low return.
The Titans have already shown, through the Simmons trade, that they are willing to make tough decisions when the compensation aligns with their long-term goals. Martin presents a similar opportunity on a smaller scale. Tennessee can maintain its younger defensive core while converting a productive veteran into additional draft capital.