Bears Trade Two First-Rounders for Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears have acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans.

The deal involves two first-round draft picks moving from Chicago to Tennessee. General manager Ryan Poles executed the trade on Wednesday, adding a defensive anchor to a unit that ranked 31st in DVOA before the move. Simmons is a pass-protection magnet who had been a focal point for the Titans' defense for the past two seasons.

The Bears have a history with this type of transaction. In 2018, general manager Ryan Pace traded two first-round picks and a third-rounder to the Raiders for edge rusher Khalil Mack. That deal included first-round selections for 2019 and 2020. Chicago used those picks on tight end Cole Kmet and offensive lineman Arlington Hambright. The Raiders used their haul on running back Josh Jacobs, cornerback Damon Arnette, and wide receiver Bryan Edwards.

Mack provided an immediate boost in his first year with the Bears, recording 12.5 sacks and helping the team finish 12-4. He earned a first-team All-Pro selection that season. However, his production declined over the next three years due to injuries and other factors. The Bears eventually traded him to the Chargers for a second-round pick that became safety Jaquan Brisker.

Another comparable deal occurred in 2019 when the Los Angeles Rams traded two first-rounders and a fourth-rounder to the Jaguars for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars selected edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson and running back Travis Etienne Jr. with those picks. Ramsey won back-to-back All-Pro honors in 2020 and 2021 and helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021.

The Bears' current situation includes a strong offense and a need for defensive help. Coordinator Dennis Allen has sought a player of Simmons' caliber for years. The Titans, meanwhile, are using the capital to rebuild. They have not yet determined how they will use the two first-round selections. The Bears will carry the financial weight of Simmons' contract, while the Titans gain roster flexibility and draft capital.

The next step for Chicago is to integrate Simmons into the defensive scheme. The team will face its next opponent in a few days. For Tennessee, the focus shifts to the upcoming draft board and free agency. The Bears hope this trade improves their playoff odds, while the Titans aim to capitalize on the draft positions.