Chicago Bears make NFL history with Jeffery Simmons trade

The Chicago Bears have gone all-in in their quest for Super Bowl glory. On Thursday, the franchise traded away two first-round picks and a fourth for Tennessee Titans superstar Jeffery Simmons.

The defensive tackle has been one of the elite players at his position since entering the league in 2019, earning four Pro Bowl nominations. He was named a First-team All-Pro for the first time in 2025.

During the 2026 campaign, Simmons has put up 38 tackles, nine quarterback hits and four sacks. He now leads the Bears in QB hits and is tied for the team lead in sacks. Furthermore, Simmons’ 76.7 grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 12th/16 defensive linemen.

Chicago wanted to be aggressive at the trade deadline. In the process, the Bears ended up setting new NFL history.

Chicago Bears’ historic Jeffery Simmons trade

Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears — Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Bears fans obviously remember when the team traded two first-round picks for Khalil Mack. Other defensive players to be dealt for a pair of first rounders include Micah Parsons and Sauce Gardner. But when it comes to Simmons, no other defensive tackle has fetched that kind of draft capital in a trade since 1967, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

“A first, literally: Jeffery Simmons is the first defensive tackle in the common draft era since 1967 to be traded for multiple first-round picks,” Schefter wrote.

A first, literally: Jeffery Simmons is the first defensive tackle in the common draft era since 1967 to be traded for multiple first-round picks. pic.twitter.com/EOrDCK5MCl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2026

With that kind of haul, the Bears are expecting immediate results. Chicago’s defensive line has managed to hold its own. But it’s clear some reinforcements were necessary to battle against the league’s best offenses. Rather than putting a band-aid over the issue, the Bears called in a whole surgical team.

The expectations on Chicago will now be greater than ever. Their placement amongst true Super Bowl contenders now seems, legitimate assuming they keep winning and can stay healthy. Simmons might be just one player, but there aren’t many, if any, defensive tackles like him in the NFL. Which is why the Bears were willing to make history to acquire him.

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