Bears Trade Two Firsts for Simmons

Cook County Bears fans will see a new face on the defensive line starting Monday. The Chicago Bears acquired Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons on Thursday. The trade occurred less than two weeks before the NFL trade deadline.

General Manager Ryan Poles sent two first-round picks for the 2027 and 2028 drafts to Tennessee. Chicago also sent a 2027 fourth-round pick. In return, the Bears received Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer first reported the transaction.

Simmons, 29, has earned four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors during his career. He received his first first-team All-Pro designation last season. The Mississippi State product has been in the league for eight seasons. Tennessee drafted him 19th overall in 2019. He recorded 46.5 career sacks and 17 quarterback hits.

The move surprised many observers because the Titans had recently committed to the player. Tennessee signed Simmons to a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. That deal came after he set a career high with 11 sacks last season. First-year head coach Robert Saleh appeared to build his roster around Simmons. The Bears will now hold his rights through the 2030 season.

Poles made the trade to address a known weakness on Chicago’s defense. The Bears have struggled to generate a pass rush from their interior line. Defensive end Austin Booker and slot cornerback Kyler Gordon tied for the team lead with four sacks each. Simmons enters the group with four sacks of his own over seven games this season. He also leads the league in sacks among defensive tackles.

The acquisition pairs Simmons with veteran Grady Jarrett. Jarrett has recorded seven quarterback pressures and one tackle for loss this season. The Bears hope the addition creates pressure that benefits outside defensive ends Montez Sweat and Booker. Poles believes the team can compete for a Super Bowl this season. The offense ranks first in the league in rushing and third in total yards per game under head coach Ben Johnson.

Chicago has given up first-round picks for 2027 and 2028. The team used earlier draft capital to add quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receiver Rome Odunze, and tight end Colston Loveland. The Bears will face the defending champion Seattle Seahawks on Monday. That game will be the first test of the new defensive line.