Home · Sports · Oct 29 archive
Bears Acquire All-Pro DT Simmons in Blockbuster Trade
Confirmed
In Short: The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster trade on Thursday.
Simmons, selected by the Titans in the first round of the 2019 draft out of Mississippi State, is listed at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, and has established himself as one of the NFL’s top interior defensive linemen.
The Bears sent their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-rounder in next year’s draft, to the Titans for Simmons and a fifth-round selection in 2028.
Simmons, who earned four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro honors in his first seven seasons with the Titans, has tallied 46.5 sacks, 72 tackles for loss, and 96 quarterback hits over eight seasons.
The trade is a significant move by Bears coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles, signaling their belief that the team has what it takes to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl title since 1985.
The Bears won the division last year for the first time since 2018, finishing with an 11-6 record in Johnson’s first season.
Simmons is the first defensive tackle in the common draft era (since 1967) to be traded for multiple first-round draft picks, according to ESPN Research.
The Bears' defense has struggled recently, giving up too many points and yards, including a 31-7 loss to their rival Packers in Week 5.
Simmons is under contract through the 2030 season after agreeing to a three-year $105.8 million contract extension with the Titans before the start of the season.
The trade comes as the Bears chase the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, and Johnson said Wednesday there was “a lot going on” regarding the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10.
Simmons’ addition to the Bears’ defensive line is expected to significantly improve their pass rush, which has produced a 25% pressure rate over the past two seasons, the fourth lowest by any defense in that time.
Simmons ranks third among all defensive tackles in pressures this season with 24, despite being double-teamed on almost every down.
In a statement, Johnson said, “He’s turning over every stone that he possibly can to improve this football team just like he has ever since I’ve gotten in this building and I feel really good about our process. We’ll see what happens.”
What this adds
The BearsTalk fan site provides highlights showcasing Simmons' physicality, explosiveness, and relentless effort, giving Bears fans a glimpse of what to expect from their new defensive tackle.
What's confirmed
- It is chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North, and the addition of Simmons bolsters what had a been a questionable defensive line.
- The Bears sent their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-rounder in next year’s draft, to the Titans for Simmons and a fifth-round selection in 2028.
- FILE - Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) celebrates a sack during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis, Sunday, Oct.
- Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct.
- CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.
- Simmons is the first defensive tackle in the common draft era (since 1967) to be traded for multiple first-round draft picks, according to ESPN Research.
- Simmons is worth a big-time trade, but there are two factors at play: Ultimately, this is a move that says the Bears think they’re a missing piece or two away from not just making a playoff run, but potentially winning the Super Bowl.
What's still developing
- Watch Jeffery Simmons' highlights and see the power, explosiveness and pass-rushing ability the Bears are adding in their blockbuster trade with Tennessee.
- BearsTalk is an independent fan site and is not affiliated with the Chicago Bears or the NFL.
- The highlights below offer Bears fans a glimpse of the physicality, explosiveness and relentless effort Chicago is adding to its defensive line.
- The Bears are reportedly sending two first-round picks, in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027 to Tennessee in exchange for the star defender and a 2028 fifth-rounder, according to Pelissero.
- Chicago is sending two first-round picks, and a fourth-round pick to Tennessee to Simmons — who will immediately revamp a defensive line that was in dire need of interior pressure.
- The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero first reported the trade.
- He’s also a three-time All-Pro and has 439 total tackles and 46.5 career sacks.
- Simmons is one of the league’s best defensive tackles and already has 38 total tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and four passes defended this year.
- The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced.
- (23) and defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct.