The Chicago Bears made a statement move by trading for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, sending a pair of first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for one of the NFL's best defenders that immediately elevates this defense.
Simmons is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, and he's been dominant for a while. He's a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl selection who's totaled 44.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and 30 pass deflections in his career. According to Next Gen Stats, Simmons has generated 28 pressures this season, the most among defensive tackle, including 10 pressures and three sacks when double-teamed (both an NFL-best).
With all of the reactions rolling in, Bears players are starting
to share their thoughts. First, it was wide receiver Luther Burden, and now, it's quarterback Caleb Williams, who appears to be feeling quite good this morning.
Bears QB Caleb Williams reaction to Jeffery Simmons trade on Instagram pic.twitter.com/nQSZf2C8nJ
— Dave (@davebftv) October 29, 2026
"Good morning," Williams wrote on Instagram along with an emoji of a face with a peeking eye, echoing Burden's earlier reaction.
Interestingly enough, Williams faced Simmons in his first-ever NFL game back in 2024, where there was plenty of trash talking before the season opener. Simmons notoriously was trash talking Williams, specifically about painting his nails. But, when push comes to shove, Simmons is a competitor and now he and Williams will be key to leading Chicago to its first Super Bowl championship since 1985.
Simmons is the first defensive tackle in the common draft era to be traded for multiple first-round picks, and it speaks to Chicago's belief that they are in their Super Bowl window and are looking to contend for the foreseeable future with their core, led by Williams, in place.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams reacts to Bears' trade for All-Pro Jeffery Simmons
