The NFL’s next blockbuster trade has been crafted. Jeffrey Simmons is on the move, with his tenure in Tennessee coming to an end.
The Pro Bowl defensive tackle has been traded since Titans At Bearas first reported by The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. A pair of first-round picks — as well as a fourth-rounder — are headed the other direction, Pelissero adds. This is the first time since 1967 that an interior D-lineman has been dealt for multiple first-round selections, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Chicago made a splash that will have implications for the rest of the 2026 season and beyond.
The exchange is now official. Here are the full terms, according to Schefter:
The bears receive:
- Simons
- Fifth-round pick in 2028
The Titans receive:
- 2027 first round pick
- 2027 fourth round pick
- 2028 first round pick
Simmons has long been considered untouchable from a Tennessee perspective, even though the team has struggled to generate consistent success in recent years. It looked like the former first-rounder was set to stay in Nashville for the foreseeable future when he signed another long-term extension in June. Instead, Simmons now heads to the Windy City as the 5-2 Bears try to prepare for the playoffs.
(RELATED: Fallout From Chicago-Tennessee Blockbuster)
Chicago traded Gervon Dexter shortly before the start of this season, sending him to the Falcons. That move resulted in a fifth-round selection in April’s draft, but this Simmons acquisition is of course much bigger. The Bears’ interior defensive line should receive a notable boost for the second half of the campaign but also for years to come.
Last spring, Simmons briefly became the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league with his new contract. The 2025 first-team All-Pro is attached to an average annual value of $35.28 million on a pact that extends through 2030. Much of his $13 million base salary for the current season has of course already been paid out, which will limit the finances needed for Chicago to be able to afford Simmons right away. However, going forward, this decision will have major implications. Simmons is expected to carry a cap charge in excess of $31 million each season starting in 2027.
A notable acquisition from the Bears GM Ryan Poles is no surprise. Chicago was recently named as a contender to watch for a defensive addition. Interest was expressed in DeForest Bucknerwho was traded to the 49ers earlier this week on rental. This Simmons acquisition is a long-term investment, but it means the Bears have joined the 49ers and Seahawks (Nelson Nelson) as an NFC team making a notable move before the November 10 trade deadline.
As noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, general manager of the Poles and Titans Mike Borgonzi have a long-standing relationship dating back to their time at Boston College and working together in the Chiefs front office. This familiarity played a role in finalizing the exchange. Borgonzi’s attention will now turn to other potential careers in the near future; Today’s decision could represent a change in Tennessee’s stance on running back Tony PollardFor example.
Regardless, the Titans will aim to use the capital gained from this deal to build a new core. It remains to be seen if Cam Room will be seen as the team’s quarterback of the future beyond 2026, but either way, adding young, cost-controlled talent elsewhere on the roster will be the top priority. Instability within the front office and on the sidelines has defined the Titans in the post-Mike Vrabel era, but Borgonzi and new head coach Robert Saleh recently received CEO approval Burke Nihill when he spoke on behalf of the owner Amy Adams banged.
This pair will be tasked with a large-scale rebuild of a Tennessee team that sits at 1-6 this year and now faces the prospect of replacing one of the league’s best defenders. Simmons, 29, set a new career high with 11 sacks last season. He’s had four so far in 2026, meaning a fourth campaign with at least 7.5 sacks is within his reach. Trade will allow Mississippi State alumnus to reunite with former college teammate Sweatshirt Montezhimself a former midseason trade acquisition from the Bears.
Sweat has been a full-time starter since arriving in Chicago in 2023, but finding a productive complement on the edge or inside has largely proven to be a challenge. Adding Simmons to the mix will significantly raise expectations for a Bears team that is already in the top 10 in sacks (along with total and scoring defense) for 2026. This trade could lessen the chances of a Khalil Mack reunions are happening, but it will be interesting to see if the Poles remain aggressive in the days leading up to the trade deadline.
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