Bears Pay Two First-Rounders for Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in a transaction that cost the franchise two future first-round selections. The deal includes the Bears' first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft. In exchange, the Titans received Simmons and a fifth-round selection in the 2028 draft.

Simmons is 29 years old and stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 305 pounds. He has recorded four sacks in seven games this season. Next Gen Stats data shows he leads all defensive tackles with 28 pressures. He is the only player in the league to have earned three sacks against double teams.

The Bears are 5-2 after winning two consecutive games. They are chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Coach Ben Johnson said the team has been in constant dialogue with General Manager Ryan Poles regarding roster needs. Johnson noted that Poles is working to improve the team for both the current season and future years.

Simmons was selected by the Titans in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Mississippi State. He played alongside current Bears defensive end Montez Sweat during his college career. He was named a first-team All-Pro selection last year after recording a career-high 11 sacks in 15 games. The four-time Pro Bowler signed a contract extension in June that included more than $100 million in guarantees over three years.

Titans General Manager Mike Borgonzi called Simmons an elite player both on and off the field. Borgonzi stated that his respect for Simmons is greater than for any other player he has managed during his tenure. He described the decision to trade the star defender as difficult.

The Titans are 1-6 this season. The team has not posted a winning record since going 12-5 in 2021. They finished with a 3-14 record in each of the previous two seasons. Coach Robert Saleh said teams are beginning to make offers because the Titans have not closed out games. He noted that the Bears presented an offer that was difficult to refuse.

Simmons said he focuses on the present moment rather than worrying about things he cannot control. He described his daily goal as being present in his current environment. The trade deadline for the NFL is November 10.

The Bears won the NFC North division last year for the first time since 2018. They finished the 2025 season with an 11-6 record. They defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional round. The franchise has not won a Super Bowl title since 1985.