Harbaugh confirms outreach about Jeffery Simmons
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh confirmed Monday that he reached out to Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk to inquire about defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, a move Harbaugh said came as the team explored trade possibilities before the Nov. 10 deadline. Simmons was later traded to the Chicago Bears.
Harbaugh’s contact with the Titans’ owner — which he described as leaving a message — was reported by multiple outlets and acknowledged by the coach in his remarks to reporters. The outreach underscores how aggressively the Giants have been probing the market for upgrades as they position for a playoff push.
Coach and GM coordinating approach
General manager Joe Schoen remains in charge of New York’s trade negotiations, the team has said. Schoen told reporters last week that the Giants planned to “canvass the league” and evaluate both cost and availability before the deadline, a process designed to weigh potential upgrades against what they would cost in picks or players.
Harbaugh acknowledged he and Schoen are each pursuing conversations in their own networks and that those conversations can complement one another. That tandem approach pairs Schoen’s personnel contacts with Harbaugh’s wider relationships around the league.
Different takes on Harbaugh’s approach
Deadspin reported that Harbaugh has been tapping long-standing NFL ties to pursue roster upgrades, describing the approach as using every available connection. Harbaugh said he hopes NFL teams will contact the Giants about potential deals before the Nov. 10 trade deadline and confirmed that he left a message for Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk about defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
Harbaugh also told reporters he is willing to speak with anyone about trades over the coming week.
Where the Giants stand
New York enters the final week before the deadline at 4-2-1 and atop the NFC East, a standing that gives the organization the flexibility to consider adding pieces for a postseason push. With Joe Schoen directing formal negotiations and Harbaugh leveraging his contacts, the Giants have signaled they will be active in evaluating the market before Nov. 10.
