How Chicago Used The Myles Garrett Trade Framework To Sign Jeffery Simmons

How Chicago Landed Jeffery Simmons

The Chicago Bears have acquired star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a blockbuster deal. Nearly the entire league had inquired about trading for the four-time Pro Bowler over recent seasons. Tennessee turned down every request until Chicago came calling.

Chicago first asked about Simmons during a joint practice between the two teams last summer. Tennessee showed no interest in trading him back then. Bears general manager Ryan Poles reached out again on Tuesday night, calling Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. The two executives previously worked together in Kansas City.

Using The Myles Garrett Trade As A Template

The executives built their deal around the framework of the Myles Garrett trade between Cleveland and Los Angeles. In that move, Cleveland got a 2027 first round pick, a 2028 second round pick, a 2029 third round pick, and pass rusher Jared Verse. Tennessee viewed Verse as the equivalent of a first round pick.

That outline helped create the final agreement. Chicago received Simmons and a 2028 fifth round pick. Tennessee received two first round picks and a 2027 fourth round pick.

Tennessee wanted to speed up their roster growth with draft capital. They studied other major trades, including Detroit receiving Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Jameson Williams for Matthew Stafford. They also looked at Seattle trading Russell Wilson for a package that brought in Charles Cross, Boye Mafe, Devon Witherspoon, and Derick Hall. Tennessee decided they needed three future premium draft picks to give their team the best chance to win.

Super Bowl History Guided The Bears

Chicago did their own research before making the move. They studied every Super Bowl champion since 2018 and noticed a clear pattern. Every single winning team possessed an elite defensive tackle.

The Eagles had Fletcher Cox and later Jalen Carter. The Rams had Aaron Donald. The Chiefs relied on Chris Jones. The Buccaneers featured Vita Vea, and the Seahawks had Leonard Williams. Chicago believed Simmons could bring that exact quality to their defense.

Poles understood the risks of giving up three draft picks. There will be added pressure on him and his staff to hit on their remaining selections. Still, Chicago pushed forward to complete one of the biggest trades of the NFL season.