The Chicago Bears acquired four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in exchange for Chicago’s 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick, the Titans announced.
The trade marks the first time a defensive tackle has been moved for multiple first-round selections since 1967, according to ESPN. Simmons, who signed a three-year, $105.8 million extension with Tennessee in June 2025, had been a cornerstone of the Titans’ defense since being drafted 19th overall in 2019.
Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk released a statement expressing gratitude for Simmons’ contributions on and off the field, highlighting his leadership and philanthropic work through the Give ’Em A Reason Foundation.
Simmons’ reaction to the trade was reported as reluctant. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi stated Simmons “didn’t want to leave” Tennessee and had “probably” gained more respect from Borgonzi than any player he’s been around. Simmons had previously told reporters he was focused on the present and had received no indication a move was imminent.
The trade comes as the Titans stand at 1-6 this season, their last playoff appearance dating to 2021. Borgonzi indicated the additional draft capital would allow Tennessee to rebuild its foundation, though he did not name quarterback Cam Ward—the Titans’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—among the team’s foundational pieces moving forward.
For the Bears, who sit at 5-2, the move addresses a defensive line that ranked 23rd in pass rush win rate (13%) among interior defenders. Simmons leads all NFL defensive tackles in 2026 pass rush win rate (27%) and recorded four sacks, six tackles for loss, and four passes defended through seven games this season. Chicago’s new defensive coordinator will pair Simmons with Grady Jarrett, while Montez Sweat, Simmons’ former teammate at Mississippi State, remains on the roster.
The trade also reignited past remarks from Simmons about Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. In 2023, Simmons told The Rich Eisen Show he looked forward to “knocking the nail polish off” Williams, though Williams responded to the trade announcement with a simple “Goodmorning world” post on Instagram.
The Bears will next face the Seattle Seahawks in a primetime Week 8 matchup on Monday.
Trade Details
- Bears send to Titans: 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick, 2027 fourth-round pick
- Titans send to Bears: Jeffery Simmons, 2028 fifth-round pick
Career Highlights of Jeffery Simmons
- 106 career games, 414 tackles, 46.5 sacks
- Four Pro Bowls (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) and first-team All-Pro honors in 2025
- 2025 season: 11 sacks, career-high in sacks
- 2026 season (through 7 games): 38 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 9 quarterback hits, 4 sacks