Jeffery Simmons heads to Chicago Bears in blockbuster swap
The Bears will assume the defensive tackle's $35.3 million contract, reuniting him with former Mississippi State teammate Montez Sweat.
By Yara Nasser ·
Jeffery Simmons is joining the Chicago Bears after a trade with the Tennessee Titans. The deal sends the defensive tackle to Chicago in exchange for two first-round draft picks. Tom Pelissero of The Ringer first reported the move on Thursday morning.
The Bears will assume Simmons' existing contract. The veteran signed a three-year extension worth $35.3 million with Tennessee. He entered the 2026-27 season as the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league.
Simmons has spent eight years in the NFL. He earned first-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press last year. He also placed on the second team in 2021 and 2022. The player is a four-time Pro Bowler and a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award finalist.
Last season, Simmons led the league in sacks with 11. He also topped the charts with 60 pressures and 5 turnovers caused by pressure. Through seven games this year, he has recorded 38 total tackles, 4 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The trade reunites Simmons with Montez Sweat. They played together at Mississippi State during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. The two were part of the defensive line known as the D-block under head coaches Dan Mullen and Joe Moorhead.
The Bears currently hold a 5-2 record. Their offense, led by Caleb Williams and coordinator Ben Johnson, has been effective. The addition of Simmons is expected to strengthen their defensive front. The team is aiming to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The Bears expect Simmons to be available for his debut in the upcoming Monday Night Football game. That matchup is against the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
