Why the Bears' Jeffery Simmons trade is an absolute game-changer in Chicago

Bears Roster Why the Bears' Jeffery Simmons trade is an absolute game-changer in Chicago The Chicago Bears' trade for Jeffery Simmons is a signal to the rest of the NFL they are ready to make a serious run at a Super Bowl By NBC Chicago Staff • Published 55 minutes ago • Updated 44 minutes ago BOOKMARKER Getty Images NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 20: Jeffery Simmons #98 of the Tennessee Titans reacts during the national anthem prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images) If there was any doubt the Chicago Bears were Super Bowl-or-bust in the 2026 season, it was erased by their blockbuster trade for Jeffery Simmons. The Bears paid a pretty penny for Simmons’ services, giving up two first-round picks and a fourth-round draft pick to the Tennessee Titans, but there’s no question why general manager Ryan Poles pulled the trigger on the massive deal. Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are.   WATCH HERE Judging by virtually any advanced metrics, Simmons is one of, if not the, best defensive tackles in the NFL. According to NFL NextGenStats, Simmons is ranked first in the league with 15 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 85 pressures, 31 quick pressures and six turnovers caused by pressure since the start of the 2025 season. Jeffery Simmons since 2025 (DT ranks):🔹15.0 sacks (1st)🔹23 TFL (1st)🔹85 pressures (T-1st)*🔹28 pressures after double team (1st)*🔹31 quick pressures (1st)*🔹6 turnovers caused by pressure (1st)*🔹9.5 sacks on 3rd down (1st)*Per @NextGenStats https://t.co/SwLhxcZFmb— NFL Researcher (@NFL_Researcher) October 29, 2026 He was elected to the Associated Press’ All-Pro team for the first time in his career last year, and he’s well on his way to getting that honor again this season, as his four sacks, six tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits would all either lead the Bears or be tied for the team lead. Just as importantly to the Bears as his ability to get to the quarterback is his ability to stop the run, a double-whammy of skills that has led to him being one of the most heavily-used defensive tackles in the entire NFL. “I appreciate an active, playmaking defensive tackle. Without inside pressure, your defensive ends can look very average if the quarterback can step up and throw the ball. This guy will make a huge difference,” former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt told NBC Chicago. Local Illinois Lottery 2 hours ago $7.4M jackpot-winning Lotto ticket sold at BP gas station in Chicago Halloween 3 hours ago How much Halloween candy should parents let their kids eat? The answer may not be what you'd expect Adding to Simmons’ value is that he will almost certainly be a force multiplier for a Bears pass rush that has seen mixed results so far this season. He will take pressure off of players like Montez Sweat and Austin Booker, and when the Bears fully integrate Shemar Turner and Dayo Odeyingbo back into their mix, assuming they come back from their injuries this season, their pass rush could end up becoming a significant strength. “This is a huge positive addition for this Bears football team,” Wannstedt emphasized. Finally, the move isn’t just for the Bears this season, but for the future as well. Simmons is 29 years old and is entering the prime of his career, and he is under contract for the next two seasons after signing a three-year, $105.8 million deal with the Titans prior to this season. He also gives the Bears another playmaker on their defense that can pair with skilled safety Coby Bryant, currently out of action with an injury, to create multiple levels of pressure on teams’ pass and rushing attacks. All in all, this is the Bears’ biggest swing they’ve taken on a player since they acquired Khalil Mack for two first-round draft picks. In this situation, they have acquired a Super Bowl-caliber player to bolster a defense that is being helped by what could be the league’s best offense, and Simmons could very well be the piece that helps to push the Bears into the upper echelon of the biggest Super Bowl threats in the league. This article tagged under: Bears Roster