Titans Trade Jeffery Simmons to Bears for Two First-Round Picks

The Tennessee Titans will receive two first-round draft selections and one fourth-round pick from the Chicago Bears in exchange for defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. The transaction was first reported by Tom Pelissero of The Ringer and represents a major shift in the roster construction of both franchises.

Simmons, 29, has been a cornerstone of the Titans defense since joining the team. He signed a three-year contract worth $105.8 million with Nashville on June 19. This new deal will send him to the Bears, where he is expected to address specific defensive weaknesses. The team currently allows the 10th-most rushing yards per attempt in the league and ranks 26th in run-stop win rate, according to ESPN statistics.

The trade moves were finalized ahead of the NFL trade deadline set for Nov. 10. For the Titans, the move comes after a difficult start to the season. The team holds a 1-6 record as of this reporting. Despite the poor overall team performance, Simmons has maintained high individual metrics. Pro Football Focus grades him 76.7 overall, with a pass-rush grade of 80.5 and a run defense grade of 70. These figures place him 12th, fifth, and 16th among interior defensive linemen, respectively.

Simmons leads all defensive linemen in the league with 20 run stops. He also ranks third in total pressures with 24 and fifth in sacks with four. He was named a first-team All-Pro player in the previous season. His departure leaves the Titans without what many consider the face of the franchise.

Amy Adams Strunk, the controlling owner of the Titans, issued a statement regarding the transaction. She described Simmons as a unique figure whose field presence was matched by his off-field impact. Strunk highlighted the Give 'Em A Reason Foundation, noting its work in Middle Tennessee and Mississippi. She thanked him for his leadership and representation of the team.

Chicago expects Simmons to bring leadership and respect to the locker room. The Bears are looking to upgrade their run defense with his arrival. The draft picks included in the trade are scheduled for 2027 and 2028. The two first-round selections and the fourth-round pick will be used to rebuild the Titans roster in future years.