The Chicago Bears made massive headlines on Thursday, getting in on the NFL trade frenzy as they acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. In exchange for Simmons, the Bears will send first-round picks, in 2027 and 2028, while also including a fourth-round pick in 2027, while Chicago also gets a fifth-round pick in 2028 to finalize the deal.
Acquiring Simmons brings a much-needed upgrade to the Bears defense, one that should see the defensive line get a significant boost, landing one of, if not, the best, defensive tackle in the NFL right now. A four-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, the trade for Simmons signifies the biggest moment for Bears general manager Ryan Poles as he works to put together
a roster that can contend for a Super Bowl championship.
Here are seven things to know about the new Bears All-Pro defensive tackle, Jeffery Simmons:
Simmons ha compiled 15 sacks dating back to last season, as a defensive tackle
The pure dominance that Simmons has played with at the defensive tackle position not only makes him the top at his position, but one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, no matter the position. He has 15 sacks in the past two seasons, including 11 in 2025 and four so far this season. Simmons is far-and-away the best defensive tackle currently in the NFL, and will certainly change Chicago's success getting after opposing quarterbacks.
Simmons once wanted to knock "the nail polish" off of Caleb Williams
Well, this one might make for an awkward first meeting between Simmons and Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Simmons made it known he wanted to give Williams his "Welcome to the NFL" moment when the Titans and Bears played in Williams' first regular season game back in the 2024 season. Williams shared his excitement for the acquisition of Simmons on social media, but they may need to have a conversation when they first meet one another.
Reunited with Mississippi State teammate Montez Sweat
Both Simmons and Montez Sweat played for the Mississippi State Bulldogs during their collegiate careers, and both were first-round picks back in the 2019 NFL Draft. Simmons was drafted with the 19th overall pick to the Tennessee Titans, while Sweat was the 26th overall pick to the Washington Commanders. Now, they'll get a chance to play together at the NFL level and help elevate this Chicago defensive line.
Simmons dominates double teams
Simmons doesn't mind or care about double teams from opposing offensive lines. According to NextGen Stats, Simmons has generated 28 pressures this season, the most among defensive tackles, including 10 pressures and three sacks when double-teamed (both an NFL-best). Simmons has faced 101 double teams this season, the second-most among DTs. Against the run, he has recorded 21 run stops, tied for the second-most among DTs. His ability to not only breakthrough those double teams, but also get a high number of pressures and sacks shows why Simmons was highly-coveted by Chicago. This should also open up plenty of opportunities for his teammates on the defensive line.
First-ever defensive tackle traded for multiple first-round picks
Bears general manager Ryan Poles clearly made Simmons a high-priority on the trade market, and made history in order to land him. Chicago's trade for Simmons made him the first defensive tackle since the common era began in 1967 to be traded for multiple first-round picks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Simmons tied for Bears' team-lead in sacks upon arrival
Immediately upon his arrival, Simmons is tied for the team-lead in sacks for the Bears. This is a similar situation to when the Bears acquired Montez Sweat in 2023, and he would go on to lead both his new team and his old Washington Commanders team in sacks during the 2023 season.
#Bears defense sacks leaders:
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 29, 2026
Jeffery Simmons 4
Austin Booker 4
Kyler Gordon 4
Dayo Odeyingbo 3
Montez Sweat 2
Dillon Thieneman 1.5
Daniel Hardy 1.5
Kentavius Street 1
Devin Bush 1
Malik Muhammad 1
Ben Johnson may have a new weapon in the red zone
Ben Johnson loves to get creative, and it should already be in consideration to see Simmons lined up on offense near the goal line. The newest member of the Bears has two career receptions, both of which went for touchdowns during his time in Tennessee. It would not be a shocker to see Simmons lining up behind Caleb Williams or on the offensive line in a goal-to-go situation.
Jeffery Simmons can also catch touchdowns.
— Die-Hard Chicago (@DieHard_Chicago) October 29, 2026
Imagine what Ben Johnson is gonna do 😂 pic.twitter.com/rSNwYZdK2K
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 7 things to know about new All-Pro Bears DT Jeffery Simmons
