The Chicago Bears reportedly pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Tennessee Titans for star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons.
The news comes from Tom Pelissero of The Ringer, who notes that the Bears are sending the Titans two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick.
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“Blockbuster! Titans trade All-Pro DT Jeff Simmons to Bears, sources say (The Ringer and (Netflix Sports),” Pelissero reported.
“The Bears are sending two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Titans for Jeff Simmons. A monster deal,” Pelissero added.
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ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that the first-round picks the Bears are giving up are in 2027 and 2028, and the fourth rounder is a 2027 selection. Chicago also gets back a 2028 fifth-round pick in the deal, he said.
Why the Bears traded for Jeffery Simmons
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before the game against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
As Pelissero notes, this is a monster trade for the Bears, who needed an upgrade at defensive tackle.
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The Bears traded Gervon Dexter before the season started, which hurt their interior pass rush.
Chicago also needed a boost in its run defense, which was giving up the 10th most rushing yards per attempt and ranked 26th in run stop win rate, according to ESPN.
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Simmons is one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL and is a huge upgrade for Chicago because of his pass defense and rushing skills.
According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons has an overall grade of 76.7, a pass rushing grade of 80.5 and a run defense grade of 70, ranking 12th, 5th and 16th among interior defensive linemen.
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Simmons’ 20 running stops are first at his position, and he ranks third in total pressures with 24 and fifth in sacks with four.
Why the Titans traded Jeffery Simmons
Tennessee Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi speaks to the media the day before the start of training camp at Vanderbilt Health Football Center, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Titans are in the midst of a rebuild and are at least a few years away from contention, so it didn’t make sense to keep a player approaching his 30s.
And that’s especially true when they had the opportunity to bring home a massive haul like the one they got from the Bears.
These two first-round picks will greatly help Tennessee’s rebuild and, along with the fourth-round pick, represent great value for Simmons.
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