Elijah Simmons

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		9	—	6	2.5
2025		9	0.0	6	2.5

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Salary-cap math on Elijah Simmons's contract works out to a C- Contract Value Index given the dead-cap exposure and term. At $922,500 AAV over two years, this is a low-cost, low-commitment deal that reflects Tampa Bay's cautious posture toward a defensive tackle still searching for consistent on-field traction. Through nine games in 2025, Simmons recorded six tackles—a production profile that sits well below starter expectations for the position and underscores why the Buccaneers treat him as organizational depth rather than a core asset. For a 24-year-old in his rookie season coming off a practice-squad background, the modest salary aligns with developmental timeline expectations, but the zero sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions across his young career raise legitimate questions about whether his physical tools (size and power noted in media coverage) will translate to impact snaps. The CVI reflects a rational organizational hedge: cheap enough that underperformance carries minimal salary-cap sting, yet structured with sufficient runway for Tampa Bay to evaluate whether Simmons can grow into a rotational contributor over the two-year window. This is not a deal designed to pay for present production—it's insurance on a toolsy prospect who remains a prove-it candidate heading into 2026.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Elijah's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Elijah Simmons earns a D for the Buccaneers at defensive tackle, a young interior lineman who has been filling rotational snaps without making a significant impact. Simmons has the size to compete, but his technique and ability to shed blocks are still developing. Tampa Bay's defensive front has needed depth, and Simmons has provided bodies without providing production. He is a developmental player who needs to show more pass-rush ability to earn a meaningful role. The Buccaneers will give him time, but the competition on the interior is getting more fierce.

How Elijah Compares at the Position

Elijah Simmons ranks 186th of 216 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Elijah between Kalia Davis (D) just ahead and Jonathan Ford (D) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Elijah Simmons carries a D+ sentiment grade heading into 2026, reflecting the perception of a developmental defensive tackle still searching for his NFL identity. The former Cardinals practice squad pickup has generated largely transactional headlines since joining Tampa Bay, with media coverage focusing more on roster moves than on-field production. His modest $0.9M AAV contract signals the Buccaneers view him as a depth piece with intriguing physical tools—size and power that scouts appreciate—but his statistical profile remains concerning for a player entering his third professional season. With zero career sacks, forced fumbles, or interceptions to his name, Simmons is viewed as a classic "projection player" whose potential hasn't translated to measurable impact. The neutral-to-slightly-negative media framing suggests Tampa Bay fans and analysts see him as a roster bubble candidate rather than a future contributor, making 2026 a prove-it year for the big defensive lineman.