Bears Trade Two Firsts for Simmons
Chicago sends 2027 and 2028 first-round picks plus a fourth-rounder to Tennessee for the All-Pro defensive tackle.
By Matthew Qureshi ·
The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. The trade marks the most expensive move in the current NFL season for a single interior lineman.
Chicago sent its first-round selections in the 2027 and 2028 drafts, along with a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft, to the Titans. In return, the Bears received Simmons and a fifth-round pick in 2028.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson stated in a release that Simmons has proven to be one of the most impactful run defenders and disruptive pass-rushers in the league. Johnson added that Simmons’ leadership would create a positive impact across the entire team.
The 29-year-old Simmons has recorded four sacks in seven games this season. He leads all defensive tackles with 28 pressures, according to Next Gen Stats. He is also the only player in the league to have earned three sacks against double teams.
Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi described Simmons as an elite player on and off the field. Borgonzi noted his respect and admiration for the defender, citing the work Simmons put in daily and his leadership over the past year and a half.
The Bears, who are 5-2 under coach Ben Johnson, aim to challenge the undefeated Minnesota Vikings for the NFC North title. The team won the division last year for the first time since 2018 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime.
Simmons was drafted by the Titans in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Mississippi State. He signed a contract extension in June that reportedly covered three years and included $100 million in guaranteed money. The four-time Pro Bowler recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 15 games last season.
Titans coach Robert Saleh said that while the team was not actively shopping any players, the Bears presented an offer that was difficult to refuse given Tennessee’s current 1-6 record. The Titans have not posted a winning season since going 12-5 in 2021.
The Bears play at Seattle on Monday night. The trade deadline remains open for other transactions until November 10.
