After the first seven games of the season, it was clear the Chicago Bears could use some help on the defensive line and it was not a surprise to see them trade for someone to fill that gap. However, getting a potential future Hall-of-Famer in three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons was certainly a surprise.
On Bears quarterback Case Keenum’s podcast, "In Case You’re Wondering," he had receiver Luther Burden III on the show right when the news broke of the trade. Burden gave his initial reaction to the trade live, where he said he was "ready to play right now." He also discussed Chicago’s preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, where he and Simmons had some trash talk back and forth.
“I was definitely out there, hyping the guys
up and me and Jeffery had some words … His presence was definitely known and I can’t wait to get him in Chicago,” Burden said. “We’re on the same team now, so we can talk together … He talks what he do. There’s guys that talk the talk and don’t do. He’s about it … Shoutout Jeff man.”
Despite being in his eighth season in the NFL, Simmons is still in the prime of his career. His best season was actually last year, when he had a career-high in sacks (11) and was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time. Simmons had previously been named a second-team All-Pro in 2021 and 2022.
Chicago gave up three draft picks to acquire Simmons, including their first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 as well as a 2027 fourth-rounder. The Bears give up a lot to acquire him and hope it will pay off in the form of a Super Bowl during his time in Chicago.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Luther Burden pumped up after Bears' trade for Jeffery Simmons
