Bears pay two future firsts to land defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears traded their first-round picks for 2027 and 2028 to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in exchange for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The deal also includes a fourth-round selection in next year's draft moving to Tennessee. In return, the Bears receive Simmons and a fifth-round pick in the 2028 draft.

A person familiar with the agreement told The Associated Press that the transaction was finalized but had not yet been publicly announced. The source requested anonymity because the team had not released an official statement.

Simmons is 29 years old and has recorded four sacks in seven games this season. He earned first-team All-Pro honors last year after posting a career-high 11 sacks in 15 games. His arrival addresses a weakness on the Bears' defensive line that has been a point of concern for coaches and analysts.

Chicago currently holds a 5-2 record after winning two consecutive games. The team is chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North division. The Bears face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night in their next fixture.

Head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that the front office was actively evaluating options as the trade deadline approached. The NFL trade deadline is set for Nov. 10. Johnson said he and general manager Ryan Poles maintain constant dialogue about the roster's needs for the current season and future years.

Johnson stated that Poles is turning over every stone to improve the team. The Bears won the division last year for the first time since 2018, finishing with an 11-6 record in Johnson's first season. They defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional round.

Simmons said he focuses on the present moment rather than worrying about things he cannot control. The trade represents a major financial commitment for the Bears, signaling that the organization believes it has the personnel to compete for the franchise's first Super Bowl title since 1985.