Jeffery Simmons trade should’ve cost Bears even more, per Mike Florio

The Chicago Bears paid a hefty price to acquire All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Two first-round picks and a fourth went back to the Tennessee Titans in the deal.

While that cost may be jarring, Simmons is a four-time Pro Bowler and under team control through 2030. His first game with the franchise has him put up six tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. With their sights set on a Super Bowl, the Bears were willing to pay whatever it took.

Helping move the deal forward was general managers Ryan Poles and Mike Borgonzi’s connection. The pair have developed deep ties dating back to their time at Boston College. Because of that relationship, the Titans felt more comfortable trading Simmons to the Bears.

With two first-round headed their way, Tennessee isn’t too pressed about the return. But Simmons could’ve fetched the franchise potentially even more draft capital.

Bears didn’t get fleeced in Jeffery Simmons trade

The Bears weren’t the only team interested in Simmons. The New York Giants’ interest was publicly announced. But if the All-Pro was truly available for trade, Tennessee fielded plenty of calls.

Ultimately, Poles and the Bears won out. But had the GM not had the personal connection to Borgonzi the deal may not have come to fruition. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says the Titans received better offers than the one they accepted.

“It feels to me, based on everything I’ve heard, that Borgonzi did not get the best possible return,” Florio said. “Whether it would’ve come from the Giants, he didn’t get the best possible return.”

“Based upon everything I heard, Borgonzi [Titan GM] did not get the best possible return [in the Jeff Simmons trade].”

So much for the “Poles got fleeced” crowd. pic.twitter.com/KY7Nve7fss

— Trey² (@PeanutChillman) November 5, 2026

As soon as the deal was announced, the Bears received plenty of flack for what they gave up. But if teams were truly offering more, then Chicago had to pay up. Furthermore, Poles’ presence was clearly the driving force to landing Simmons.

Once the Titans make their picks, it’ll be easier to fully evaluate the trade. But at least on the Bears side, Simmons in the middle of their defensive line was well worth the draft capital.

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