The NFL is firmly in trade season, with teams looking to address their biggest weaknesses before the Nov. 10 deadline. Several major deals have already gone through in recent days, and more moves could be coming as contenders look to strengthen their Super Bowl chances. The Seahawks acquired All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson from the Colts on Tuesday, while the 49ers brought back defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from Indianapolis just a few hours later.
The Colts are also expected to move wide receiver Josh Downs and potentially star running back Jonathan Taylor. The Texans also previously traded for Cardinals wideout Marvin Harrison Jr., and the Ravens traded for Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens from Philadelphia. Now, another blockbuster has come through, with NFL insider Tom Pelissero reporting Thursday that Tennessee Titans All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has been traded to the Chicago Bears.
The Bears are reportedly sending two first-round picks, in 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027 to Tennessee in exchange for the star defender and a 2028 fifth-rounder, according to Pelissero. More news: Former Ravens Coach Believes Team Could Be Heading Toward a Major Shakeup Simmons is one of the NFL's premier interior defensive linemen. The former first-round pick earned four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro honors in his first seven seasons with the Titans, establishing himself as a disruptive force against both the run and the pass.
He's recorded 46.5 career sacks, including a career-high 11 last season. Through seven games this season, he already has 38 total tackles, including 20 solo, six tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, and four sacks. Chicago has been linked to several defensive stars around the league in recent weeks, including Khalil Mack, Josh Sweat, and Buckner.
The Bears have one of the best offenses in football behind Ben Johnson, but their defense has been giving up way too many points and yards in recent weeks, including getting blown out 31-7 against their rival Packers in Week 5. More news: NFL Forces Eagles’ Saquon Barkley to Give up Stake in Polarizing Business More news: Jets Named Surprising Winner of Colts- Seahawks Quenton Nelson Trade Chicago landing Simmons is huge. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing offenses gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen another difference-maker.
The Bears are 5-2 heading into the midway point of the season, and adding a proven All-Pro defender strengthens their case as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. And with the deadline fast approaching, expect more teams to explore blockbuster deals like this in the coming days.
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