Bears Trade Two First-Round Picks for Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears completed a high-cost transaction to strengthen their defensive interior on Thursday, acquiring All-Pro tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. The move involves a substantial exchange of future assets, marking a major shift in the roster composition for both teams as the NFL regular season continues.

The Bears surrendered their first-round draft picks for the 2027 and 2028 seasons to Tennessee. They also sent a fourth-round selection in the upcoming draft to complete the deal. In return, the Bears received Simmons and a fifth-round pick scheduled for the 2028 draft.

Simmons, 29, has recorded four sacks in the team's first seven games this season. According to Next Gen Stats, he leads all defensive tackles with 28 pressures. He is the only player in the league to earn three sacks against double teams.

The Bears, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, have won two consecutive games to improve their record to 5-2. They are currently chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. The addition of Simmons addresses concerns regarding the depth and effectiveness of the Bears' defensive line.

Tennessee general manager Mike Borgonzi described the decision as difficult but necessary. He stated, “Jeff has been an elite player here in this organization, both on and off the field.” Borgonzi added that his respect for Simmons is greater than for any other player he has supervised in his role.

The Bears won the NFC North last season for the first time since 2018, finishing with an 11-6 record. Head coach Ben Johnson guided the team to a wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers before a loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. The trade signals that Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles believe the squad is positioned to compete for the franchise's first Super Bowl title since 1985.

Tennessee enters Sunday's game at Cincinnati with a 1-6 record. The team has not posted a winning season since going 12-5 in 2021, following losing campaigns of 3-14 in the previous two years. Titans coach Robert Saleh noted that teams often attempt to acquire players from struggling rosters. He said, “And eventually a team threw a hook big enough that I don’t think any of us could have said no to.”

Simmons was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Mississippi State. Listed at 6 feet 4 inches and 305 pounds, he earned first-team All-Pro honors last year after recording a career-high 11 sacks in 15 games. He signed a contract extension in June that reportedly included more than $100 million in guaranteed money over three years.