By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen on Thursday praised defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons for his performance in his debut with the team, saying the All-Pro “raises the level of everybody on the field.”
Simmons, acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 30 in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection, played his first game as a Bear in the team’s 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night.
The acquisition gave the Bears a three-time All-Pro defensive lineman as they pursue an NFC North title in their second year under head coach Ben Johnson. The Bears improved to 6-2 with the victory.
Allen’s comments came as the team began preparation for its next game. Simmons, who wore No. 99 in his debut, reunited with defensive end Montez Sweat, his former college teammate at Mississippi State. Sweat has been introducing Simmons to the Bears’ culture, just as Simmons did for Sweat when they were college teammates in 2017, according to the team’s website.
The Bears traded a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to Tennessee for Simmons. They also received a 2028 fifth-round selection from the Titans in the deal.
Bears players and coaches have expressed enthusiasm about the addition. Johnson called Simmons a difference maker on the field and in the locker room when the trade was announced.
“Excited to be able to help compete for a championship,” Simmons said after his first practice as a Bear, according to the team’s website.
The Bears have won five of their last six games and have not trailed in their last three contests, sprinting out to early leads in victories over the Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Seahawks. The defense has been a central pillar of the team’s success, with stingy third-down efficiency limiting opponents.
Simmons’ arrival adds to a defensive front that already features Sweat and several other contributors. The 28-year-old tackle was one of the most disruptive interior defenders in the NFL during his time in Tennessee.
The team also announced Thursday that defensive back Josh Blackwell has been named its nominee for the 2026 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA, which recognizes NFL players, coaches, staff and alumni who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting U.S. service members, veterans and their families.
In other roster news, the Bears placed defensive lineman Kentavius Street on Reserve/Injured, signed tight end Stephen Carlson to the active roster and signed defensive lineman Earnest Brown IV to the practice squad.
The Bears, the reigning NFC North champions, return to action in their Week 9 contest.
Source: Chicago Bears
