Bears Bolster Their Defense Trading for Jeffery Simmons

The Bears are in a resurgence, with Caleb Williams back and healthy and a rushing offense ranked first in the NFL. While the team ranks a respectable tied-for-ninth in the league on defense, giving up an average of 20.4 ppg, they rank only 22nd in sacks. They look to improve as the Bears bolster their defense by trading for Jeffery Simmons, a first-team DT All-Pro last season.

What Simmons Brings to the Table 

Last season, Simmons recorded a career-high 11 sacks and was off to a good start this season. With the Tennessee Titans, he led the team with four sacks and led them in tackles for loss (6) and passes defended (4). He led all defensive tackles this season in the NFL with 28 pressures on QBs and registered three of his four sacks while double-teamed.

Simmons Comes with a Hefty Price Tag 

While Simmons should be a great addition to the Chicago defense, he did not come cheap. First, the Bears gave up a first-round pick in 2027 and 2028, plus a fourth-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2028. On top of that, the Bears are now on the hook for his salary through the 2030 season after he signed a $105.8 million extension with the Titans in the offseason, with $100 fully guaranteed.

Win Now Mode 

The Bears are in win-now mode and have ascended with Ben Johnson as the coach and Williams a legit QB the team has not had for a while. Chicago is 5-2 after seven games. In the killer NFC North, where every team is over .500, Simmons is the first big deal the Bears have made this season as they try to win their first Super Bowl since 1986, when Jim McMahon was under center and William “The Refrigerator” Perry was a star in the Windy City.