Bears pay two first-round picks for DT Simmons in blockbuster trade

The Chicago Bears paid two first-round picks to acquire defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans, a transaction completed Thursday morning. The deal resets the roster for both franchises and positions the Bears with a new interior defender ahead of their Monday night game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Simmons learned of his new home while eating breakfast at the Titans practice facility in Nashville. He had planned to prepare for Sunday’s contest against the Cincinnati Bengals, but a call from his agent changed the morning routine. The 31-year-old had spent eight years in Nashville since the Titans selected him No. 19 in the 2019 NFL Draft. He now must explain to his 3-year-old daughter why he is leaving a city where he built his life.

General Manager Ryan Poles initiated the conversation with Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, expecting a similar rejection to past inquiries. Poles and Borgonzi worked together at the Kansas City Chiefs, building a relationship Poles described as one of his longest in football. Borgonzi agreed to discuss a trade, leading to a package that included two first-round selections. Poles stated the move targets a player who impacts both the field and the culture, noting that such a transaction requires both elements to succeed.

Simmons brings four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors to Chicago. He currently leads defensive tackles with four sacks and 13 quarterback pressures. Poles cited Simmons’ performance on film and his presence during a joint practice in August as key factors in the decision. Poles called Simmons a different human being, a judgment that justified the cost of the two first-round picks.

The trade creates a challenge for the Titans, who are starting a new era under head coach Robert Saleh. They are relinquishing a cornerstone player to rebuild their draft capital. For Chicago, the addition arrives as head coach Ben Johnson continues to develop quarterback Caleb Williams. The team aims to use the new personnel to push for a Super Bowl appearance this season.

Simmons expressed excitement about reuniting with Montez Sweat, a teammate from his time at Mississippi State. He noted that the trade signaled the organization’s belief in the current roster. Simmons said he wants to learn how Johnson runs the team and provide the leadership the staff seeks. He has watched the Bears play over the past two seasons and is impressed by the group’s development.

The announcement surprised players at Halas Hall in Lake Forest. Some teammates initially thought the report was a joke. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen compared the feeling to Christmas morning. Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said the move sets high expectations, noting that the organization’s belief in the team aligns with the players’ own goals.

Simmons is expected to play Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. This will be his first prime time appearance since 2023. He is still learning the playbook but said he is ready to contribute. He emphasized that he is willing to play whatever role the coaching staff assigns him, whether on Monday or throughout the remainder of the season.

The Bears will face the defending Super Bowl champions in a test of their new defensive line. Simmons will line up against a strong offensive group, providing an immediate look at how the new piece fits into the existing scheme. The team will evaluate his workload as he adjusts to the new system over the coming weeks.