Stephen A. Smith issues strong statement on Bears after Jeffery Simmons trade

The Chicago Bears made a lot of noise on Wednesday following their trade for Jeffery Simmons. He could be the missing piece to their Super Bowl dreams, and has a lot of experience under his belt. Veteran sports analyst Stephen A. Smith issued a strong message on the team after landing the former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle.

Simmons is a two-time second-team All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler and earned his first first-team All-Pro selection last season. He entered the NFL as No. 19 overall pick in 2019 out of Mississippi State. The 29-year has spent his entire professional career with the Titans.

His arrival in Chicago addresses a hole on the D-line. Many believe it’s the team’s weak spot and Simmons’ leadership and talent is a huge boost.

Chicago Bears Jeffery Simmons — Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) storms the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

Stephen A. Smith believes Bears are all-in for a title after landing Jeffery Simmons

Smith discussed what the move for Simmons is for Chicago. He believes the franchise is in win-now mode and further strengthened its Super Bowl bid.

“I’ve been bullish on the Chicago Bears because of Caleb Williams from last year,” Smith said. “I believe in this brother and I believe in what they’re doing right now because this is this is where this all changes. A move like this, understand the magnitude of it. For Simmons, the Chicago Bears gave up two first round picks. That’s a lot in the NFL for a 29 year old defensive tackle. But he’s worth it. We all know what he brings to the table. Also inheriting his lucrative contract.

“So we got to take that into consideration as well, because that contract includes a three year, $155.8 million extension signed last June. So we take all of that into consideration. What does this message send? This message is the Chicago Bears saying we’re going all in. We’re trying to win a championship now. The NFC is wide open. We believe it’s ours for the taking, and we’re going for it right now.”

“This message is the Chicago Bears saying, ‘We’re going all in. We’re trying to win a championship now.’”

—@stephenasmith on the Bears trading for DT Jeffery Simmons https://t.co/7xEzMhMEgV

— First Take (@FirstTake) October 30, 2026

Simmons will make his Bears debut on Monday when they take on the Seattle Seahawks. The team is on a two-game winning streak and will enter the “Monday Night Football” matchup with a 5-2 record.