Titans GM Borgonzi: Never planned to trade Simmons until Bears called
The Tennessee Titans traded All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears in a blockbuster deal Thursday. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said he had no intention of trading Simmons until Bears GM Ryan Poles called Wednesday night with a substantial offer. The Titans received two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick in 2027 and 2028, plus a fifth-round pick swap. Simmons, a four-time Pro Bowler, had just signed a three-year $105.8 million extension before the season and told reporters Wednesday he expected to stay in Tennessee. Borgonzi said the conversation with Simmons was difficult, but the trade gave the 1-6 Titans significant draft capital for their rebuilding effort. The 5-2 Bears made the move as they pursue a Super Bowl with young QB Caleb Williams. This is the first time a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple first-round picks.
Key facts
- Titans GM Mike Borgonzi said he never planned to trade Jeffery Simmons before Bears GM Ryan Poles called Wednesday night
- The Bears sent Tennessee two first-round picks (2027, 2028), one fourth-round pick (2027), and received back a fifth-round pick (2028)
- Simmons is a four-time Pro Bowler and AP first-team All-Pro who had signed a three-year, $105.8 million extension before the 2026 season
- The Titans are 1-6 and the Bears are 5-2 heading into the trade deadline
- This is the first time a defensive tackle has been traded for multiple first-round picks in NFL history
- Simmons told reporters Wednesday he had no knowledge of trade talks and expected to remain with Tennessee
Limits of this briefing
Coverage is limited to mainstream sports media outlets covering this story from a business and competitive strategy perspective. No explicit left or right political perspective framing was found, as this is a sports story with no political dimensions.
Sources
- ESPN: Bears acquire All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons in trade with Titans Centre
- NFL.com: Bears acquire DT Jeffery Simmons from Titans in blockbuster trade Centre
- NBC Sports: Titans agree to trade Jeffery Simmons to Bears Centre
- Bleacher Report: Jeffery Simmons' Reaction to Blockbuster Trade to Bears Revealed by Titans GM Mike Borgonzi Centre
- Sports Illustrated: Details of Bears' Rapid Jeffery Simmons Trade Timeline & How Deal Impacts NFL Deadline Centre