Bears send two first-round picks for Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears acquired first-team All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a trade that sent two first-round picks to Tennessee on Thursday.

General Manager Ryan Poles sent the Bears' 2027 and 2028 first-round selections along with a 2027 fourth-rounder to the Titans. In return, the Bears received Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. According to ESPN Research, this marks the first time in the common draft era since 1967 that a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple first-round picks.

The move followed a busy Tuesday for the NFC, where the San Francisco 49ers traded for DeForest Buckner and the Seattle Seahawks acquired guard Quenton Nelson. These roster shifts prompted Poles to act quickly. The Bears now hold a 13% chance to win the NFC, according to ESPN Analytics, which ranks them second behind the 49ers' 39%. The Seahawks sit in third place with an 11% probability.

Simmons brings immediate impact to a Bears defense that has struggled to pressure quarterbacks from the interior. Chicago ranks 23rd in pass rush win rate from interior defenders this season. Simmons has recorded 46.5 sacks since entering the league in 2019, second only to Buckner among defensive tackles. He also leads all defensive tackles in total pressures and run stop EPA this year.

The Titans, currently 1-6, are entering a full rebuild mode. The team has secured two first-round picks for 2027 and 2028. Head coach Robert Saleh had recently called Simmons the best defensive tackle in the league, noting his critical role in the front four rotation. The trade signals the Titans are prioritizing future draft capital over their current roster.

The financial implications for the Bears are substantial. Chicago will assume the remaining $7,944,444 of Simmons' 2026 compensation. For the 2027 season, the team is already committed to a $26.95 million total package, consisting of a $21.45 million salary and a $5.5 million option bonus. If Simmons remains on the roster through the fifth day of the 2027 league year in March, an additional $29.8 million in 2028 compensation will become fully guaranteed.

The Bears are 5-2 and prepare for a road game against the Seattle Seahawks. The team recently made Darnell Wright the highest-paid right tackle in NFL history with a four-year, $116 million deal. With quarterback Caleb Williams still on his rookie contract, Chicago is investing heavily in its defense to contend for the Lombardi Trophy.