By Townhall Chicago News Staff
The Chicago Bears on Thursday acquired three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round draft picks and a fourth-round selection, the team announced.
The trade gives the 5-2 Bears one of the NFL’s most disruptive interior defenders as they chase a second consecutive NFC North title. Simmons, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, has recorded 15 sacks since the start of the 2025 season.
“We are excited to welcome Jeffery Simmons and his family to Chicago,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement posted to the team’s website. “We are fortunate to have the opportunity to add a player, and a human, like Jeffery to our team, and we look forward to Jeffery’s leadership and command as we continue to work toward sustained success.”
The Bears sent 2027 and 2028 first-round picks along with a 2027 fourth-round choice to Tennessee and received a 2028 fifth-round pick in return. Simmons, 29, has started 104 of 106 career regular-season games for the Titans since being drafted 19th overall in 2019. He owns 414 career tackles, 72 tackles for loss, 46.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles.
Head coach Ben Johnson called Simmons “one of the most respected players in the National Football League” in a team statement.
“Jeffery has proven to be one of the most impactful run defenders and disruptive pass-rushers in the NFL, and yet, through his leadership, Jeffery will have the opportunity to create a positive impact across our entire team,” Johnson said.
The reaction inside the Bears’ facility at Halas Hall was immediate. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said in a Friday news conference that acquiring Simmons felt like a holiday gift.
“It’s like waking up on Christmas morning and you go out and you see all the presents under the tree,” Allen said, according to the team’s website. In 25 seasons as an NFL coach, Allen said he has never worked with an interior defensive lineman as dominant as Simmons.
At his introductory news conference Friday, Simmons said the price the Bears paid to acquire him spoke volumes about the organization’s commitment to winning now.
“The trade told me everything I needed to know, especially the value from giving away two first-round picks,” Simmons said, according to the team’s website. “This team believes in what they have here and they want it right now.”
Simmons practiced with the Bears for the first time Friday and reunited with former Mississippi State teammate Montez Sweat.
“It’s been a lot of emotions the last couple days, but today felt great,” Simmons said. “I’m excited to be able to help this team compete for a championship.”
Right guard Jonah Jackson, who lined up opposite Simmons during a Bears-Titans joint practice over the summer, called him a dynamic player, according to the team’s website.
“When you have a guy like this, you’ve got to game plan for him,” Jackson said. “You have to know where he is at all times.”
Bears defensive tackle James Lynch, who played alongside Simmons the previous two seasons in Tennessee, said his former teammate’s preparation sets him apart.
“When we show up the first day of the week, he’s already got a full [scouting report] of the O-line, thoughts on everybody,” Lynch said, according to the team’s website. “Having someone like that in the room really elevates all of us.”
Simmons is expected to make his Bears debut Monday night when Chicago visits the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m.
