The Chicago Bears are bolstering their defence in a big way, acquiring All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. In exchange for the star pass rusher, Tennessee will receive a 2027 and 2028 first round pick, plus a 2027 fourth rounder as well. The Titans will include a 2028 fifth round selection of their own to send to Chicago to complete the blockbuster deal.
After being drafted in the first round by Tennessee back in 2019, Simmons would go on to record 46.5 sacks, 72 tackles for loss and 96 QB hits while a member of the Titans organization. This season he was once again serving as a team captain while also leading the club in sacks, tackles for loss, and passes defended on the year.
His addition to Chicago immediately upgrades a defensive front that has struggled to generate pressures on opposing QBs over the last two seasons, while simultaneously leaving a massive void along the Titans front line. With a pass rush win rate of 27%, the 29 year old currently leads the NFL in generating pressures at the defensive tackle position this season.
At 1-6 on the season, Tennessee has the 2nd worst record across the NFL. After watching division rival Indianapolis get a jump start on the trade front earlier this week with a pair of deals, the Titans clearly are looking to cash in prior to the trade deadline as well.
With a potentially historic crop of QBs and WRs expected to declare for the 2027 NFL Draft, Tennessee is loading up for what seems like a potential top 5 pick this year, while also giving themselves some added draft capital to move up the board if they so choose.
The trade will also reunite former Mississippi State teammates Simmons and Montez Sweat in Chicago. The 4x Pro Bowler figures to slot in alongside his collegiate teammate, joining a group that also features Grady Jarrett, Austin Booker, Neville Gallimore, and Daniel Hardy amongst others.
Simmons will have a few extra days to get acclimated to his new surroundings as Chicago is off until Monday, November 2nd when they’ll take on the Seattle Seahawks in a primetime matchup at 8:15pm ET.
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