The Chicago Bears solidified their playoff run on Thursday by landing one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles, sending the Tennessee Titans in a huge swoop for All-Pro Jeffrey Simmons. Chicago is sending two first-round picks, and a fourth-round pick to Tennessee for Simmons — who will immediately transform a defensive line that desperately needs interior pressure. The Bears also got a 2028 fifth round pick back in the deal, according to Adam Schefter.
It’s a big investment for the Bears, a sign that the Titans need to rebuild defensively, and the success of this team depends on what Chicago can accomplish over the next three to four years.
Trade grade for Chicago: B
This is a case where the grade is entirely based on the assets provided in the deal. Simmons is an incredible player, and arguably the best downfield pass rushing defensive tackle in football. This season, he ranks third among all DTs in pressures with 24, despite being double-teamed on nearly every down as Titans opponents don’t have to worry about anyone.
With the Bears, he’ll line up next to Kentavius Street and really give the defense the beef up the middle that they’ve been missing. The interior pass rush has become one of the most important elements of success in the league lately, with all the best teams boasting some pressure up the middle to quickly collapse the pocket. We’ve seen top-tier DTs become more valuable than the best EDGE rushers, and this trade is further evidence of the changing state of football.
The rub here comes in what is given in the process. Simmons is worth a big-time trade, but there are two factors at play:
Ultimately, it’s a move that says the Bears think they’re a missing piece or two away from not only making a playoff run, but potentially winning the Super Bowl. Considering Ben Johnson’s incredible offense, and how Caleb Williams runs it — then it might be enough if they get an extra two or three stops a game because of Simmons and win games by shootout.
Trade grade for Tennessee: A+
It hurts to lose a player of Simmons’ caliber, but what do the Titans really hope to accomplish right now? Having him on the roster for another two years is like having a Ferrari in your driveway while living in a house with no roof or foundation. I really like it when teams can accept where they are in the process and look to the future, instead of letting top talent languish on a bad roster and ultimately leave with nothing.
Those draft picks are in the back end of each round, but the Titans need to take a shotgun approach to the draft and find talent at so many different positions that there is a pressing need to acquire more assets. It’s a huge return for a player whose intelligence isn’t enough to help a team with so many issues.