Overview
- The Chicago Bears completed the trade on Thursday, Oct. 29, acquiring Jeffery Simmons and a 2028 fifth‑round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Chicago’s 2027 and 2028 first‑round picks and a 2027 fourth‑round pick.
- Simmons is under the three‑year, $105.8 million extension he signed in June that runs through 2030 and Chicago will pay a modest remaining 2026 cap hit of about $7.9 million because Tennessee already paid the signing bonus.
- Chicago inherits larger non‑guaranteed base salaries and roster bonuses in 2027 and beyond, which will increase the Bears’ future salary obligations as they also plan a contract extension for quarterback Caleb Williams.
- The move gives the Bears an immediate starter at interior defensive tackle expected to pair with Grady Jarrett, adding a proven pass‑rush and run‑stopping force that upgrades Chicago’s defense for a likely playoff push.
- Tennessee converts its 1‑6 season into draft capital to accelerate a rebuild while the trade sets an unprecedented market benchmark by sending multiple first‑round picks for a defensive tackle in the common‑draft era.