Bears trade two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round draft picks. The transaction occurred on Friday, adding a proven pass rusher to a roster that currently holds a 5-2 record. The move places the Bears in direct competition for the Super Bowl against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks, whom they face next.

Simmons has not played in a primetime game since 2023. He spoke at Halas Hall on Friday about joining a team positioned for a championship run. He described the environment as energetic, noting that the opportunity to compete for a title outweighs his previous tenure in Tennessee. He emphasized his desire to help the team win football games immediately.

"This is a great locker room from the quarterback all the way down," Simmons said. "I’m excited to help this team compete for a championship."

The cost of the trade was substantial. The Bears surrendered two first-round selections to Tennessee, a price that surprised many observers in the league. Simmons interpreted the financial commitment as a clear signal of organizational confidence. He stated that the willingness to part with high-value assets indicated the team wanted a championship now rather than later.

"The trade told me everything I needed to know," Simmons said. "Giving away two first round picks, this team believes in what they have here and they want it right now."

Simmons leads all interior defensive linemen in the NFL with a career-high 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss from last season. His career totals include 46.5 sacks, ranking fifth among interior linemen, and 72 tackles for loss, tied for third in the league. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen compared the addition to receiving a highly anticipated gift. He described Simmons as potentially the most dominant player he has ever coached in that position.

"I don't know that I've had anybody that's been what I would consider this dominant," Allen said. "I've had some good players that have played inside for us. David Onyemata comes to mind, but I don't know that I've had anybody this disruptive."

General manager Ryan Poles characterized Simmons as a force multiplier for the defense. Poles explained that increased pressure at the line of scrimmage directly supports the secondary, a unit that has faced inconsistent performance during the current season. The Bears have not confirmed whether Simmons will play in Monday night’s game, but Poles assumed the coaching staff would make him available. Simmons stated he is willing to fill whatever role the coaches assign him for the remainder of the season.