Bears Trade Two First-Rounders for Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears traded two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection to acquire Jeffery Simmons, a move that signals an all-in approach to their current roster.

Chicago entered the 2025 season with a defense that ranked 29th in yards per play allowed. The team finished 11-6 that year, but they lost 2-6 in games where they did not force multiple turnovers. Their season ended in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams, a game in which Chicago forced zero takeaways. Head coach Ben Johnson stated in the 2025 offseason that he wanted to build the highest-scoring offense in NFL history, referencing the 2013 Denver Broncos, who averaged 37.9 points per game.

By the 2026 season, the Bears held a 5-2 record despite quarterback Caleb Williams missing three games. While the offense ranked in the top five or top ten when Williams was active, the defense remained a weakness. Chicago ranked last in the league in both yards per play allowed and explosive play rate allowed. The unit ranked 12th in success rate and EPA per play, aided by strong turnover creation, but analysts noted it was not yet at a championship level.

Simmons provides immediate statistical impact. He leads all interior defensive linemen in ESPN’s pass rush win rate. PFF data shows his 24 pressures are tied for third-most among interior linemen, and his four sacks are tied for the most among defensive tackles. He also leads the group with 24 tackles. His presence is expected to improve the interior pass rush and create more space for edge defenders, who have been inconsistent this season. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s blitz packages, already considered among the best in the league, will benefit from Simmons’ ability to disrupt plays even when double-teamed.

The trade mirrors recent moves by rivals. The Seattle Seahawks acquired Quenton Nelson, and the San Francisco 49ers signed DeForest Buckner. Both teams could face the Bears in the postseason. The Bears paid a high price, but the organization views Simmons as a rare superstar defender capable of elevating a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The move also relies on the continued development of Williams, whose EPA per dropback ranks fourth in the league, behind Josh Allen, Jared Goff, and Brock Purdy.

Injuries are beginning to heal. Kyler Gordon has returned to the roster, improving the blitzing unit. Safety Coby Bryant is expected to return from knee surgery before the season ends, as is edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, who suffered a quad injury earlier in the year.

The Bears do not expect to field an elite defense. However, the team aims to build a unit capable of supporting its high-powered offense. Simmons, age 29, offers a long-term solution to the interior pass rush problem that plagued Chicago in previous years.