Earlier this afternoon, we learned the Titans are trading three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Bears. Tennessee is sending Simmons to Chicago for a 2027 first- and fourth-round pick, and a first-round pick in 2028.
Jeffery Simmons One of The NFL’s Most Game Wrecking Defensive Linemen
In this blockbuster trade, Chicago paid a pretty penny to acquire Simmons, but he’s well worth what they gave up. The Bears are not just getting the best defensive tackle in the league, but arguably the best defensive lineman in the entire NFL.
So far this season, as a run defender, the 29-year-old superstar defensive tackle has been phenomenal. Out of 184 qualified defensive tackles, Simmons ranks first in run stops with 18 and also ranks first in run defense impact plays with 13 per Sumer Sports.
Chicago’s new acquisition is electric as a pass rusher. Among interior defensive linemen, per Sumer Sports, Simmons ranks tied for second in sacks with four, and ranks third in pressures with 30 per Sumer Sports.
All of that together culminates in Simmons having 38 total tackles and 36 impact plays through seven weeks. Both rank first among interior defensive linemen; Chicago can feel safe knowing they’re getting an absolute game-wrecking defensive lineman.
The Bears Defense Has Been A Mixed Bag
Simmons would provide a boost to whatever defense he was traded to, but for the Bears specifically, he will deliver a massive boost. Chicago this season has been a mixed bag defensively.
In some metrics, they rank top ten in the league, such as being seventh in success percentage, 10th in EPA per pass, and sixth in pass success percentage. But in other metrics, the Bears rank below average.
They’re currently 19th in EPA/Rush and 18th in rush success percentage. This leads to the Bears collectively ranking as an average to slightly above average defense. Chicago, as of this moment, rank 15th in total EPA and 14th in EPA per play per Sumer Sports.
Jeffery Simmons Will Transform The Bears Defense
Simmons by himself will be a force multiplier in the run game. As a result, we shouldn’t be surprised if the Bears go from being below average against the run to near a top-ten run defense.
Chicago already is tied for seventh in the NFL for sacks with 19, despite Austin Booker leading their team in pressures with only 10 on the year. In addition to as a team being tied for 20th in the league for pressure rate at a 28.8 percent mark. Now they’re adding Simmons, who by himself already has 30 pressures on the season.
Why The Bears Are Now Legit Super Bowl Contenders After Acquiring Jeffery Simmons
Chicago doesn’t need to be a top five defense or even comfortably a top ten defense. They have a Super Bowl-caliber offense that not only has the play calling of offensive mastermind Ben Johnson.
But also has the talent on the field with Caleb Williams, Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, D’Andre Swift, Rome Odunze, Kyle Monangai, and a top-five offensive line. Allowing them to put up at least 27 points a game on anybody.
If their defense now with the acquisition of Simmons, can just be anywhere from the 10th to 14th best defense in the NFL. Chicago has the ceiling of winning a Super Bowl, not only this season but next season as well.
This is the case because outside of Swift, all their other key offensive weapons will still be on their rookie contracts next season as well.
End Of Bears Trading For Jeffery Simmons Rant
When it comes to Tennessee’s side of the trade, of course you would rather not trade a tentpole player like Simmons, who probably still has three years left of playing at this superstar level. But when a team offers you two first-round picks for a player approaching 30, and you’re at least two years away from being a back-end playoff team, this is a trade you have to make.
Now the Titans give themselves two first-round picks in the draft this year and next year. Bolstering their ability to either further build around Cam Ward or replace him with a new young signal caller prospect after next year if it comes to that.
Chicago knows they have a window to win with this current iteration of their roster for this season and the following year. Before it’s time to pay Williams a top-of-the-market QB contract, extend Loveland and Burden, and lose one or both Monangai and Odunze.
Chicago is betting those two first-round picks will be in the 20s or as late as 32. Because nobody will care that the Bears don’t have a first-round pick if they make the conference championship game or, even better, are hosting the Lombardi Trophy either this year or next season.
