All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons is officially a Chicago Bear, and the league is still buzzing from the blockbuster deal that sent two first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans. This Thursday’s move, coming with less than two weeks before the November 10 trade deadline, is already being called the biggest transaction we will see this deadline season.
Chicago Went All In For a Reason
The cost to bring Simmons to the Windy City was steep: the Bears shipped off their 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, plus a 2027 fourth-rounder. In return, Chicago gets Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. This move screams one thing: the 5-2 Bears are absolutely all in for a deep postseason run in Year 2 of the Caleb Williams-Ben Johnson era. One NFL executive didn’t mince words: “Obviously, the Bears are all in and going for it. [Chicago] added one of the best DTs , if not the best DT in the league.” Coach Ben Johnson previously spoke about “unstable success,” a term he used for elements of his team that were exceeding expectations. Their early defensive success definitely fit that description, making this move a decisive one to solidify that momentum.
The Quiet Dominance of a Total Package
Simmons is a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, making him arguably one of the most impactful players to be dealt mid-season in recent memory. He might not get national spotlight love because the Titans have been struggling for years, but the man is quietly the most productive interior rusher in the entire league. Per FOX Sports Research, since the start of the 2025 season, Simmons leads all defensive tackles in sacks (15), tackles for loss (23), pressures (85), quick pressures (31), and pressures leading to turnovers (6). This guy isn’t just a pass rusher either; he is a stout run defender and a proven locker room leader who is ready to boost Chicago’s already impressive culture. And the cherry on top? The Bears are only paying him $7.9 million in 2026. That is a ridiculous bargain for a player of his caliber. While his salary jumps to $22.5 million in 2027 and $30 million in 2028, it still represents outstanding value for a total package talent.
The Bears defense has looked like a top-10 unit, ranking 10th in points allowed per game, but there have been signs they are beatable, especially that 31-point outing against the Packers. Adding Simmons means Chicago is bringing in an instant headache for opposing offenses, a fully realized talent ready to make a huge impact.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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