Bears trade two first-round picks for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a trade announced Thursday. A person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press that the exchange was completed before the official announcement.

The Bears gave up their first-round selections in 2027 and 2028. They also included a fourth-round pick in next year’s draft. In return, Chicago received Simmons and a fifth-round pick in 2028.

The 29-year-old defensive tackle has recorded four sacks in seven games this season. He earned a first-team All-Pro selection last year after setting a career high with 11 sacks in 15 games.

Chicago is currently 5-2 after winning two straight games. The team plays at Seattle on Monday night while chasing the undefeated Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North. The move strengthens a defensive line that had faced questions earlier in the season.

Head coach Ben Johnson noted that his staff and general manager Ryan Poles maintain constant dialogue about team needs. Johnson said Poles is turning over every stone to improve the roster for both the current and future seasons. “He’s turning over every stone that he possibly can to improve this football team just like he has ever since I’ve gotten in this building and I feel really good about our process,” Johnson said.

Simmons expressed a focus on the present while acknowledging trade rumors. “Each and every day I wake up, my goal is to just be where my feet are at,” Simmons said. “Never looking ahead right now, it’s just be in the moment, and that’s from each and every day, from game day, my goal just never changes.”

The Bears won the NFC North last year for the first time since 2018. They finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. The team defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round before falling to the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in the divisional round.