Ryan Poles reveals Chicago Bears’ Jeffery Simmons trade timeline

Trading for an All-Pro like Jeffery Simmons doesn’t happen overnight. But for general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears, it did.

To be fair, the Bears have been scouting Simmons long before the trade was announced. They got an up close look at him during joint practices in training camp. But even from afar, it’s hard to miss Simmons on the gridiron. He is a four-time Pro Bowl recipient an was named First-team All-Pro for the first time in 2025.

Once the 2026 season got underway, it became clear where every team stands in terms of competing. The Bears (5-2) were natural buyers while the Tennessee Titans (1-6) were clear sellers. Both sides were a distinct match for a trade.

Poles still had to do plenty of convincing, and give up two first-round picks. But when trade talks got serious, the process moved along quickly.

Chicago Bears didn’t flinch on Jeffery Simmons trade

Poles had an already established connection with Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. That made communication much easier. Once Borgonzi realized the Bears were serious about making a deal, he and Poles were able to come to an agreement, via the general manager’s Friday press conference.

“It was fast,” Poles said. “I always make calls and check around the league. The answer on him was always no. I know how much he means to that organization. I honestly didn’t think it would ever happen. So when that window opened where it’s a possibility, they had to work their process as well, it happened pretty fast. It was a late call and happened in the early morning.”

With Simmons signed through 2030, the defensive tackle’s stay in Chicago will be anything but brief. That’s partially why Poles is so confident in the trade. The All-Pro is a player that will positively impact the Bears both in the present and future.

No trade in the NFL is easy, even if it’s for a player of Simmons’ caliber. Poles and his staff had to put in plenty of work. But in the deal’s most crucial moments, Poles had no problems bringing the trade to the finish line.

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