Ryan Tannehill, Jeffery Simmons want to be back with Tennessee Titans in 2023. Here's why.

Two of the Tennessee Titans' most important players head into uncertain offseasons with hope they'll return in 2023.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons both told media on Monday that they want to be back with the Titans in 2023. Tannehill has an option in his contract that the Titans can exercise to trade or waive him after June and save $27 million against the salary cap. Simmons is heading into the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, which has already been exercised, but does not have a long-term extension beyond 2023.

"I want to be here for a long time," Simmons said. "I want to finish my career here. If we can get a deal done this offseason, I hope that’s the plan on both sides. I don’t want to get into next year then something happens with the contract or we get into the offseason and I hit free agency. I love Tennessee. I want to be here. I’m sure they know that."

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Simmons and Tannehill both battled through ankle injuries for most of the season. Simmons said his was never ruled more than a sprain and won't require surgical attention. Tannehill said he "blew out several ligaments" in his ankle against the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 18 and had no choice but to have surgery after that point. He said he should be able to resume jogging activity by next week and doesn't expect his rehab to take too long.

Tannehill turns 35 years old in July but says he still thinks he has plenty of good football ahead of him.

"I definitely have some good years left. I feel really good," Tannehill said. "Even coming off this injury I feel really good and I’m looking forward to some bright years ahead."

For the second straight year, Simmons was voted into the Pro Bowl. He was a first-team All Pro performer in 2021. Tannehill missed five games with his ankle injury but posted improved numbers in passer rating and yards per attempt in 2022 compared to 2021.

The Titans do not have a full-time general manager after firing Jon Robinson in December. Both players admitted that throws a wrench in their plans about returning, but not enough to think it won't happen.

Titans coach Mike Vrabel didn't comment on either players' future beyond saying that both are under contract. He said Tannehill is the starting quarterback when healthy and said he admires the way Simmons leads, shows toughness and accountability and plays.

"Tennessee is home for me," Simmons said. "The people here, the fans here, the community here when I’m out going out to dinner, it’s great. The people here are very nice. Just being here in Tennessee, this is where I want to play the rest of my career. Hopefully that happens."

Nick Suss is the Titans beat writer for The Tennessean. Contact Nick Suss at nsuss@gannett.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksuss.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Ryan Tannehill, Jeffery Simmons want to return to Tennessee Titans