Bears Acquire Defensive Tackle Jeffery Simmons From Titans

The Chicago Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for two first-round draft picks. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer first reported the transaction on Thursday. Simmons enters the 2026-27 campaign as the highest-paid defensive tackle in the National Football League following a three-year, $35.3 million contract extension with Tennessee. The Bears will assume the remaining balance of that deal.

Simmons began his professional career after a standout collegiate tenure at Mississippi State. He played alongside Montez Sweat during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The two were key components of a defensive line frequently referred to as the "D-block" under head coaches Dan Mullen and Joe Moorhead. Both athletes emerged from Starkville as high-profile prospects and have maintained high levels of production since entering the professional ranks.

Simmons has established himself as a top-tier interior defender over his eight seasons in the league. He earned first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press last season after appearing on the second team in 2021 and 2022. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. In the most recent completed season, he led the league with 11 sacks, 60 pressures, and five turnovers caused by pressure.

The veteran has maintained his high level of play in the current campaign. Through seven games, he has recorded 38 total tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He has served as the primary offensive threat for the Titans, a team coached by Robert Saleh that holds a 1-6 record at this stage of the season.

The move places Simmons on a roster that currently holds a 5-2 record. The Bears have demonstrated offensive strength under play-caller Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. The addition is expected to bolster the defensive unit and position the team as a serious contender for the Super Bowl. The trade also reunites Simmons with Sweat, with whom he shares a history dating back to their high school and college years in Mississippi.

The Bears anticipate that Simmons will be eligible to play in the team's next scheduled contest. That game is set for Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.