The Chicago Bears were expected to make a huge defensive splash to upgrade their team before the Nov. 10 trade deadline for the 2026 NFL season. Although they might not be done with edge rushers on the wish list, they made the first big move to increase their interior pressure.
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, the Titans' first-round draft pick in 2019 turned four-time Pro Bowler and 2025 first-team All-Pro, is leaving Nashville for Chicago. While the Music City loses a 29-year-old with 46.5 career sacks in seven-plus seasons, the Windy City gains a big boost vs. run and pass.
The Titans are 1-6 and are in rebuilding mode, with many moves yet to come. While defensive-minded coach Robert Saleh may have wanted to keep the veteran linchpin, the Bears get someone else to thrive in Dennis Allen's scheme.
Here's a look at how Simmons fits with the Bears and whether the Titans scored enough worthy compensation in return.
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Jeffery Simmons trade grades
Bears receive:
- DT Jeffery Simmons
- 2028 fifth-round draft pick
Titans receive:
- 2027 first-round draft pick
- 2028 first-round draft pick
- 2028 fourth-round draft pick
Bears grade: A
Simmons will line up next to savvy and disruptive Grady Jarrett, providing a big upgrade from previous starting tackle Kentavious Street. At defensive end, Montez Sweat needed some to take attention away from him on the outside. Fellow end Austin Booker has been their best pass rusher this season with nickel back Kyler Gordon having impact off blitzes. But the team also had to put end Dayo Odeyingbo (quad strain) on short-term injured reserve
Simmons has four sacks through seven games. At 6-4, 305 pounds, he has great quickness for his size to disrupt plays in the backfield. His upfield penetration complements the game of Jarrett well.
With Allen as the defensive coordinator, the Bears like to attack the quarterback from all angles with well-disguised pressure. Simmons can be a nightmare for opposing interior blockers who also need to worry plenty about Allen getting a lot more creative with stunts moving his defensive linemen around.
The Bears' philosophy aligns with Simmons' strengths. He's the type of "all-in" addition that suggests they're trying to win the Super Bowl in Caleb Williams' third season while the quarterback is still on an affordable rookie contract.
Simmons is under his contract through the 2030 season. He just signed a three-year, $105.8 million extension in June.
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Titans grade: A
The Titans proved once again that defensive superstars come with a high trade compensation price.
Simmons is a plug-and-play big-time producer, but he wasn't helping the Titans win many games anymore. The Bears are 5-2 and willing to be aggressive, and the Titans got an offer they couldn't refuse.
The Titans will hope Cam Ward can still be the answer as a long-time franchise quarterback, so they can stick to acquiring the best help for him plus some defensive talent up front to help offset the loss of Simmons.
Simmons came with only a $7.944 salary cap hit this season because of the new deal. But it escalates to $22.55 million in 2027 and $30.9 million in 2028. The Bears will need to make some cap-clearing moves to make Simmons work over two-plus seasons. The Titans, meanwhile, freed up a lot of future cap room to be more active in free agency starting with '27. They also have two first-round picks in the 2027 and 2028 drafts.
