Titans Trade Simmons for 3 Picks After 1-6 Start

Ordinary fans in Nashville will see a familiar face line up elsewhere the next time Tennessee plays, while the Titans' defensive line rotates to fill the snaps Jeffery Simmons leaves behind. Tennessee traded its three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle to the Chicago Bears on Thursday for a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. ESPN Research reports no defensive tackle had been dealt for two first-round picks in the common draft era, which began in 1967.

General manager Mike Borgonzi said he had fielded trade calls on Simmons since taking the job in 2024 but never seriously considered moving him. That changed late Wednesday when Chicago general manager Ryan Poles, whom Borgonzo worked with in Kansas City's personnel department from 2009 to 2021, called with the package. Borgonzi and coach Robert Saleh discussed the offer and slept little Wednesday night before seeking approval from controlling owner Amy Adams-Strunk, who selected Simmons 19th overall in 2019.

Simmons learned of the deal after telling reporters Wednesday that neither his agent nor the team had raised the subject. The 29-year-old had said he wanted to remain in Nashville. Titans right tackle JC Latham said Thursday the expression on Simmons' face made clear he was disappointed. Borgonzi signed Simmons to a three-year, $105 million contract in June and had called him a pillar of the franchise.

Tennessee carries a 1-6 record into Sunday's game at Cincinnati, kicking off at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Simmons led the team with four sacks, six tackles for loss and four passes defended, and he drew 101 double teams over the first seven games, second among league defensive tackles. Saleh said he spoke with Borgonzi about the roster's condition before ownership signed off on the trade.

Saleh said the deal gives the organization an opportunity to add talent. He has told his defensive line group that more snaps will open up in Simmons' absence. John Franklin-Myers, who joined Tennessee in part to play alongside Simmons, said he will keep doing his job for the team.