What happened
The Chicago Bears have acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster trade, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.
Chicago sent its first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, plus a fourth-round pick in next year's draft, to Tennessee. In return, the Bears get Simmons and a fifth-round selection in 2028.
Simmons, 29, has four sacks in seven games this season. He was a first-team All-Pro last year, when he recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 15 games.
Why it matters
This is a win-now move, and the price says so. Two future first-round picks is a heavy haul for one defensive player, and Chicago would not pay it unless it believed its window is open right now.
The Bears are 5-2 after two straight wins, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, and they head into Monday night's game at Seattle chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. Simmons strengthens a defensive line that had been a question mark. Last season Chicago won the division for the first time since 2018, finishing 11-6 under coach Ben Johnson, beating Green Bay in the wild-card round before falling to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional round.
For Tennessee, described as struggling, the deal is about the future: a stack of premium picks to rebuild with, in exchange for a star entering his prime years. Chicago, meanwhile, is chasing its first Super Bowl title since 1985, and this trade is a clear signal from Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles that they think this roster can get there.
Chicago is not the only team reshaping its roster this week: Kansas City [signed Justin Tucker to its practice squad](/article/chiefs-sign-justin-tucker-practice-squad) amid a kicking slump, while the league is also dealing with off-field questions after [the NFL welcomed an investigation into Jalen Hurts' medical care](/article/goodell-nfl-welcomes-investigation-jalen-hurts-medical-care).
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline falls on 10 November, and Johnson hinted Wednesday that Chicago was active. Asked about his role in the process, he said there was "a lot going on" and praised Poles, saying: "He's turning over every stone that he possibly can to improve this football team."
Simmons struck a similar note when asked Wednesday about a possible trade, saying: "I don't worry about the things I can't control."
The next test on Chicago's schedule is Monday night at Seattle, a game that will show quickly how much Simmons changes a defense that is already winning.
