Bears Acquire Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons From Tennessee Titans

The Chicago Bears finalized a trade on Thursday that sends Jeffery Simmons to the franchise from the Tennessee Titans. General Manager Ryan Poles exchanged first-round selections in 2027 and 2028 for the four-time Pro Bowler and a fifth-round pick in 2028. The move adds a high-profile interior defensive lineman to a unit that struggled earlier in the season. Simmons is slated to make his first appearance in a Bears uniform Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks.

Simmons, 29, has recorded four sacks and 28 pressures in seven games this season. According to Next Gen Stats, he leads all defensive tackles in total pressures. He has generated 10 pressures while facing double teams, a figure higher than the 14 recorded by the entire Bears defense combined. Poles stated that every Super Bowl team since 2018 has featured a top-tier interior defensive lineman, a role he believes is essential for championship contention.

The trade reunites Simmons with Montez Sweat, a teammate from their two seasons at Mississippi State. Sweat retains his No. 98 jersey, while Simmons will wear No. 99. The addition is expected to alter pass protection schemes for opposing offenses. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett noted that Simmons draws extra attention, which creates space for other pass rushers and supports the secondary.

The transaction created an immediate surge of energy at Halas Hall. Poles described the headquarters as being on fire upon the trade's completion. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen compared the feeling to Christmas morning. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor recalled a call from his brother, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who expressed excitement about the move because the Bengals play the Titans this week.

Simmons had spent his entire NFL career with the Titans, who drafted him in the first round in 2019. Tennessee is 1-6 this season, the first time it has failed to win a division title since going 12-5 in 2021. Chicago is 5-2 after quarterback Caleb Williams returned from a hamstring injury. The Bears won the NFC North last year, their first division title since 2018, and currently trail the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the race.

Simmons spent his first week in Chicago studying the playbook and integrating with the defense. He said he is ready to help the team win games. In 106 career games, Simmons has 46 1/2 sacks, 31 passes defensed, nine forced fumbles, and seven fumble recoveries. He earned first-team All-Pro honors last year after recording a career-high 11 sacks.

The Bears will face the Seahawks in a primetime game Monday night. Simmons' playing time will depend on his preparation during the week leading up to the contest. Poles called Simmons a multiplier whose presence improves the performance of nearby players. The trade marks the end of an era for the Titans, who are seeking a rebound from a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.