Jeffery Simmons is officially a Chicago Bear, locking down a blockbuster trade that sent two first-round picks to the Titans. But before that deal went down, the Giants’ John Harbaugh tried a seriously wild move to snag the star defensive tackle himself.
Harbaugh’s Direct Line to the Top
So what happened? Turns out Harbaugh picked up the phone and called Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk directly, trying to jump to the front of the line in the Simmons sweepstakes. This wasn’t just a casual chat, either. Giants GM Joe Schoen had already called Titans GM Mike Bogonzi, and Bogonzi had told Schoen and every other team that Simmons wasn’t on the block. Harbaugh’s move was bold, maybe even unpopular, with one GM telling The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones that going over the primary decision maker’s head “violates a code amongst primary football decision-makers, that they will only deal with each other.” Even with the owner on the line, Harbaugh got the same answer: no deal.
The Price Tag and the Giants’ Playoff Push
Ultimately, the Bears made an offer the Titans couldn’t refuse: 2027 and 2028 first-round picks, plus a 2027 fourth-round pick. In return, Chicago got Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Bears GM Ryan Poles apparently has been hot on Simmons since the 2019 NFL Draft, back when Poles and Bogonzi were both working for the Chiefs. It’s clear the Giants are feeling the urgency, though. Harbaugh reports directly to Giants ownership, not Schoen, which is an unusual chain of command. It definitely makes him feel empowered enough to pull off a move like this. New York is currently 4-2-1 and leading the woeful NFC East. They’re chasing their first playoff trip since 2022. They’ve already snagged J.J. McCarthy via trade and made him their starting quarterback after Jaxson Dart got hurt. The Giants are expected to keep looking for talent before the November 10 trade deadline, with defensive lineman and running back being two key positions they’re eyeing.
Harbaugh clearly isn’t afraid to shake things up to get what he wants. With the trade deadline looming on November 10, the Giants are still expected to hunt for defensive linemen and running backs. Will their next move be just as bold, or will they stick to the usual channels?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Leave a Reply