Giants' John Harbaugh Reportedly Broke NFL Norms in Failed Trade Push

New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh reportedly took an unusual step while pursuing Jeffery Simmons before the Tennessee Titans ultimately traded the star defensive tackle to the Chicago Bears.

According to The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones, Harbaugh called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly after Giants general manager Joe Schoen had already contacted Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi to talk about Simmons.

“If John Harbaugh had his way, Simmons would be enjoying a bye week with the New York Giants right now,” Jones reported. “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.”

According to Jones, Borgonzi had previously told Schoen and other interested teams that Tennessee was not willing to trade Simmons. Knowing that, Harbaugh went straight to Strunk but received the same answer.

Harbaugh’s move reportedly drew criticism from at least one league executive who became aware of the coach-to-owner call.

“One GM who became aware of the call said it violates a code amongst primary football decision-makers, that they will only deal with each other,” Jones wrote.

Jones’ characterization of the situation has to do with an unwritten league norm rather than an official NFL rule, with The Athletic reporting that Strunk has empowered Borgonzi to make Tennessee’s football decisions.

Ultimately, the Titans changed their stance after a 1-6 start, began listening to offers after an internal meeting Tuesday, and ended up taking Chicago’s package.

The Bears landed Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

After their failed pursuit of Simmons, the Giants remain active before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, with Schoen saying New York will “canvas the league” for potential upgrades.

New York is on a bye week and will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. ET.