The biggest news in the NFL is that the Chicago Bears are sending a pair of first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Specifically, the Bears are getting Simmons and and a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for the Bears first round picks in 2027 and 2028 as well as a fourth-round pick in 2027.
Trades like this set the bar for the rest of the NFL, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and lay out the formula for a team that feels like they are a player or two away and looking to win now. A formula Pittsburgh has a chance to copy before the NFL trade deadline.
The Bears make this move sitting at 5-2, in second place in the NFC North, chasing the 6-0 Minnesota Vikings and have the 4-2 Detroit Lions nipping
at their heels. But instead of standing pat and hoping things work out, they took action. Part of the reason they were able to pull off this trade is that they have their quarterback and want to do everything to support them.
This is real and it’s spectacular: The Bears are acquiring Jeff Simmons from the Titans in exchange for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 29, 2026
Chicago loads up for now, Tennessee loads up for later. https://t.co/0Ge68gLJu7 pic.twitter.com/y7kivZSeOO
If the Steelers believe they have their quarterback of the future in either Will Howard or Drew Allar on the roster, giving up a first-round pick shouldn't hold them back from a blockbuster trade to win this season while they have Aaron Rodgers playing good football. Whether this is a wide receiver, cornerback or offensive lineman, there are options out there for the Steelers to make this team better for 2026 and beyond.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Bears set the bar for teams looking to win now with massive trade
