The Chicago Bears just made the boldest move of the NFL trade season. Chicago acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday in a deal that sends two first-round picks to Nashville.

The Titans get the Bears' first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 along with a 2027 fourth-rounder. Chicago also receives a 2028 fifth-round pick in the deal. Simmons is the first defensive tackle since 1967 to be traded for multiple first-round picks.

Simmons is 29 and has spent all eight of his NFL seasons in Tennessee after the Titans drafted him in the first round in 2019. He has 46.5 career sacks, 72 tackles for loss and 96 quarterback hits. He was a first-team All-Pro last season after a career-best 11 sacks.

A fix for a quiet pass rush

The 5-2 Bears have had trouble getting pressure with four rushers since Dennis Allen took over as defensive coordinator in 2025. Over the last two seasons their standard rush has produced a pressure rate of 25%, which ranks among the lowest in the league.

Simmons should change that right away. His 27% pass rush win rate is the best of any defensive tackle in the NFL this season. Through seven games he led the Titans with four sacks, six tackles for loss and four passes defended.

The biggest swing of the Poles era

General manager Ryan Poles has reshaped the Bears before. In 2023 he sent the No. 1 pick to Carolina for receiver DJ Moore and a package of picks that later became quarterback Caleb Williams. Until Thursday he had never traded away multiple first-round selections.

Chicago is also taking on a big contract. Simmons signed a three-year $105.8 million extension before the season with $100 million guaranteed. It keeps him under contract through 2030.

A surprise in Nashville

Simmons had been a Titans captain for six straight seasons. Just one day earlier he said he had no idea a trade was coming. "I haven't heard anything from my agent; I haven't heard anything from this organization," he said. "As far as I know, I am going to be here."

Tennessee is 1-6 and now has a huge hole in the middle of its defense. Veterans Solomon Thomas and John Franklin-Myers are expected to lead the rotation in his place.

In Chicago Simmons will reunite with defensive end Montez Sweat. The two played together in college at Mississippi State.