The Chicago Bears have made their boldest move in years. On Thursday, Chicago acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster deal that costs the Bears two first-round picks.
"Jeffery Simmons" and "Jeffery Simmons trade" shot up Google Trends, with more than 200,000 searches as the news broke.
Jeffery Simmons Trade Details
- Bears receive: DT Jeffery Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick
- Titans receive: A 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick
With the deal, Bears general manager Ryan Poles became the first GM to trade two first-round picks for a defensive tackle. It is Chicago's biggest trade since the 2018 deal for Khalil Mack.
Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, who once worked alongside Poles in the Kansas City Chiefs' front office, accepted the offer on Thursday morning after consulting coach Robert Saleh and owner Amy Adams Strunk.
"There are few people like Jeff Simmons," Strunk said, praising his impact on and off the field.
Who Is Jeffery Simmons?
Simmons, 29, is one of the NFL's most disruptive interior defenders:
- Four-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2025
- 46.5 career sacks in eight seasons, including a career-high 11 last year
- 28 pressures entering Week 8, the most among defensive tackles according to Next Gen Stats
At 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, he has played 87% of Tennessee's defensive snaps this season.
Jeffery Simmons Contract
In June, the Titans signed Simmons to a three-year, $105.8 million extension that included $100 million guaranteed. Tennessee already paid $20 million of his signing bonus, and the Bears owe him about $7.9 million for the rest of this season. His cap hits rise to $22.5 million in 2027, $30.9 million in 2028 and $29.1 million in 2029.
Why the Bears Made the Move
At 5-2, Chicago is in the thick of the NFC race despite starting three different quarterbacks this season. The pass rush, however, needed help. Edge rusher Montez Sweat is suspended and Dayo Odeyingbo is on injured reserve.
Simmons will line up next to Grady Jarrett, giving the Bears one of the league's most dangerous interior duos. The risk is real, though: without first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, Chicago will have fewer chances to add young defensive ends or cornerbacks through the draft.
The Titans Start Over
For Tennessee, which is 1-6, the trade is a clear signal of a rebuild. The Titans now hold extra first-round picks to build around, giving the front office more flexibility to reshape the roster in the next two drafts.
What's Next
Simmons could make his Bears debut on Monday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Bears give up for Jeffery Simmons?
2027 and 2028 first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Chicago also gets back a 2028 fifth-round pick.
How old is Jeffery Simmons?
He is 29.
How much is Jeffery Simmons' contract?
Three years and $105.8 million, with $100 million guaranteed.