Bears Acquire All-Pro Jeffery Simmons in Blockbuster Trade With Titans

Chicago sent 2027 and 2028 first-round picks to Tennessee for Jeffery Simmons, marking the first time a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple firsts since 1967.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles acquired first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday. In exchange, Chicago sent first-round selections in 2027 and 2028, along with a 2027 fourth-round pick, to Tennessee. According to ESPN Research, this marks the first time since the 1967 common draft era that a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple first-round picks.

Simmons joins a 5-2 Bears team that currently ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate from interior defenders at 13%. Since entering the NFL in 2019, Simmons has recorded 46.5 sacks, the second-most among defensive tackles in that span. This season, he leads all defensive tackles in total pressures and run stop EPA while playing 399 snaps. Following the trade, ESPN Analytics moved Chicago’s percentage to win the NFC to 13%, the second-highest in the conference behind the San Francisco 49ers.

For the 1-6 Titans, the deal clears significant salary cap space while providing draft capital for a rebuild. Tennessee paid Simmons $5,055,555 in salary this year and a $20.25 million signing bonus in June; they will carry a dead-money cap charge of $21,210,843 in 2027. Chicago takes on $7,944,444 of Simmons' 2026 compensation and will owe him a fully guaranteed $26.95 million in 2027, consisting of salary and an option bonus.

The Titans currently project to hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft. Potential targets for Tennessee include Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith or South Carolina pass rusher Dylan Stewart. The Bears, meanwhile, look to bolster a defense that ranks 32nd in defensive EPA per play on early downs before their upcoming road game against the Seattle Seahawks.