The Chicago Bears are going all-in in their quest for a Super Bowl in 2026.
Chicago is acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a trade with the Titans, Tennessee announced Thursday.
Tennessee will receive first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 in addition to a fourth-round selection in 2027, while Chicago will get back a fifth-round selection in 2028 as part of the deal.
The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero was first to report the news.
In a week filled with seismic movements stemming from the Indianapolis Colts sellout, Chicago quickly moved past both with a deal that makes it clear where the Bears think they can go this season. Chicago intentionally parted ways with its next two first-round picks in order to acquire a marquee defensive tackle who will instantly bolster the Bears’ defensive front as they prepare for the second half of the regular season.
“There are few people like Jeff Simmons. We will be forever grateful for everything he has given to this team and this city,” Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “His tremendous presence on the field was only surpassed by what he did off it. He gave Nashville more than football. The Give ‘Em A Reason Foundation has changed lives across Middle Tennessee and Mississippi, and I have no doubt it will continue wherever he goes.”
Simmons is firmly in his prime and regularly disrupts the opposition’s offensive rhythm with energetic, relentless efforts that become even more evident on tape due to the signature red sleeves he often wears during games. Fashion choices aside, the 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle has long been one of the few reasons (if not the only one) to be optimistic about Tennessee’s defense and follow the Titans’ games amid their recent struggles. They might not win on any given Sunday, but at least Simmons is guaranteed to make some impressive plays.
Gn headline
