Titans receive two first-rounders in Jeffery Simmons trade

Chicago Bears fans will see a familiar face on the roster starting Monday. Jeffery Simmons, the former Mississippi State defensive tackle, is joining the team after a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The move pairs Simmons with Montez Sweat, a player he faced against at the college level in Starkville.

The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero first reported the deal on Thursday morning. The Titans sent Simmons to Chicago in exchange for two first-round draft picks. This transaction marks a major financial shift for both clubs. Simmons enters the 2026-27 season as the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle. He signed a three-year extension worth $35.3 million with Tennessee. The Bears will assume the remaining cost of that contract.

Simmons has maintained a high level of production throughout his eight-year professional career. He earned first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press last year. He also placed on the second team in 2021 and 2022. His resume includes four Pro Bowl selections and a final spot for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Last season, he led the league with 11 sacks, 60 pressures, and five turnovers caused by pressure.

His performance has remained consistent this year. Through seven games, Simmons has recorded 38 total tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. These numbers stand out for the Titans, a team led by head coach Robert Saleh that has won only one game this season.

The Bears, by contrast, hold a 5-2 record. Their offense, directed by play-caller Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, has performed well against opposing defenses. Adding Simmons is expected to strengthen the defensive front. The team is positioned as a contender for the Super Bowl title with his arrival.

Simmons and Sweat played together at Mississippi State during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. They were part of a dominant defensive unit under head coaches Dan Mullen and Joe Moorhead. Both players have become prominent figures in the professional game since leaving Starkville.

The Bears plan to have Simmons ready for his debut. He is expected to play in Monday Night Football’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.