Jeffrey Simmons Philadelphia Eagles v Tennessee Titans

Jeffery Simmons is seen prior to the Tennessee Titans game with the Philadelphia Eagles at Nissan Stadium on Sept. 20, 2026, in Nashville.

 Photo: Getty Images/Johnnie Izquierdo

In what ranks among the NFL’s most eyebrow-raising personnel moves of 2026, the Tennessee Titans have traded standout defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears. The Ringer's Tom Pelissero first reported the move.

Chicago will send Tennessee two first-round picks (one in 2027 and the other in 2028) and a fourth-rounder (in 2027) in exchange for Simmons, who is considered one of pro football's best players at his position. Perhaps even more noteworthy, the Titans will see their best player — and perhaps the face of the franchise — head to the Windy City.

The personnel moves were undertaken before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk released the following statement:

"There are few people like Jeff Simmons. We are forever grateful for all he has given this team and this city. His formidable presence on the field was surpassed only by what he did off it. He gave Nashville more than football. The Give 'Em A Reason Foundation has changed lives in Middle Tennessee and in Mississippi, and I have no doubt it will continue to wherever he goes. Jeff, thank you. For how you played, how you led, and how you represented our team."

At 29, Simmons remains in peak form. According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons offers an overall grade of 76.7, a pass-rush grade of 80.5 and a run defense grade of 70. The numbers rank the former Mississippi State star 12th, fifth and 16th among interior defensive linemen.

Simmons’ 20 run stops are first at his position, and he ranks third in total pressures with 24, and fifth in sacks with four.

Pelissero reports that Chicago needs to upgrade its run defense, with ESPN statistics noting the Bears yielding the NFL’ s 10th-most rushing yards per attempt and ranking 26th in run-stop win rate.

Simmons was a first-team All-Pro pick last season and will give the Bears, in addition to his on-field skills, some key intangibles such as leadership and the ability to command respect from both teammates and opponents.

Of note, Simmons made a commitment to the Titans when he signed a three-year, $105.8 million contract on June 19. But this season has not unfolded favorably, with Tennessee sporting an anemic 1-6 record.

This article was first published by our sister publication, the Nashville Post.

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