Bears trade first-rounders for Simmons

The Chicago Bears acquired first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, sending first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 along with a 2027 fourth-round selection to Nashville in exchange for the veteran lineman and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

According to ESPN Research, this is the first time in the common draft era, which began in 1967, that a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple first-round selections. The move positions the Bears as the second-most likely team to win the NFC championship, with a 13% probability according to ESPN Analytics. The San Francisco 49ers currently lead the league with a 39% chance, while the Seattle Seahawks sit third at 11%.

Simmons, who entered the league in 2019, has recorded 46.5 sacks, the second-highest total among defensive tackles behind DeForest Buckner. He joins a Bears defense that ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate from interior defenders this season. Chicago general manager Ryan Poles executed the trade after observing the moves made by the 49ers and Seahawks on Tuesday, both of whom acquired former first-round All-Pros.

The trade signals a shift in the Bears' strategy as they prepare for a matchup against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. The team, which is 5-2, aims to elevate its roster from a top-five contender to a potential Super Bowl winner while quarterback Caleb Williams is still on his rookie contract. Poles has been active at previous trade deadlines, including the acquisition of Montez Sweat in 2023.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi accepted the offer from Chicago, marking the beginning of a full rebuild for Tennessee, which stands at 1-6. The Titans now hold two first-round picks in 2027 and 2028, allowing them to address needs at offensive tackle and defensive line. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid noted that Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a realistic option for the team if it holds the No. 1 overall pick.

Financially, the Bears will assume $7,944,444 of Simmons' remaining 2026 compensation as his cap charge for the current season. The Titans retain $14,116,398 in cap charge for 2026 and will face a dead-money charge of $21,210,843 in 2027. In 2027, the Bears will owe Simmons $26.95 million, with a projected cap charge of $22.55 million after spreading the option bonus over five years.

If Simmons remains on the roster through the fifth day of the 2027 league year, an additional $29.8 million in 2028 compensation becomes guaranteed, raising his 2028 cap number to $30.9 million. A release before the fifth day of the 2028 league year would result in a $34.2 million dead-money charge for that year, while a release after the 2028 season would create a $13.3 million charge in 2029.

Head coach Ben Johnson stated that the organization maintains constant dialogue regarding the team's needs for both the current season and the future. He expressed confidence in the process and the ability to improve the football team through aggressive moves at the trade deadline.