Could the Chicago Bears Land a Defensive Monster in Surprise Deal?

The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world during the 2025 season with seven fourth-quarter comeback victories. Although those dramatic wins were exhilarating, it's not a sustainable formula for long-term success. To truly contend, Chicago must strengthen its front seven this offseason. With the NFL Combine underway, general manager Ryan Poles could already be exploring a potential trade for a Tennessee Titans star.

Could Jeffery Simmons be a Chicago Bear in 2026?

One player the Bears could target on the trade market is Titans star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. At first glance, this may seem like an impossible trade. Why would Tennessee give up their best defensive player? It's simple; they need help on the offensive side of the ball.

In 2025, the Titans had the second-worst offense in the league, gaining just 259.6 yards per game. Tennessee's struggles to sustain offense stem from their lack of talent on the outside for quarterback Cam Ward. Currently, the Titans' leading receiver is Calvin Ridley, who spent most of the 2025 season injured.

That said, there is one Bears receiver that some fans would be ok with moving on from, D.J. Moore.  At times in 2025, it seemed like Moore was an afterthought in the Bears' offense. Although the 28-year-old receiver did make two of the most memorable plays in Bears history to defeat the Packers, he could be used as part of a trade package for Simmons.

During the 2024 offseason, Moore signed a four-year $110 million extension keeping him in Chicago through 2029. However, given that Moore's base salary isn't much different than Simmons' over the next two seasons, this deal could work. Next season, Simmons is set to make $20.1 million while Moore is set to make $23.4 million. Then in 2027. Simmons will make $23 million and Moore will earn $23.4 million.

Given that Simmons is a year older than Moore, Chicago likely won't have to give up multiple first-round picks alongside Moore to acquire Simmons. Instead, a pick swap is more likely. For example, the Bears give Tennessee a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick in exchange for a third and a fifth.

If Chicago can execute this trade, it would provide an instant boost to their defensive line. In his seven-year career, Simmons has recorded 42.5 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, Simmons has never earned a pass rush grade below 60. In addition, over the last five seasons, he has graded out above 70 in pass rushing, with his highest grade being a 91.4 in 2025.

Another factor that makes this scenario plausible is Poles’ connection to Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi. Both executives previously worked together in the Kansas City Chiefs front office, and relationships often influence deal-making across the league.

If Chicago is able to pull this deal off, it could solidify them as a true Super Bowl contender in 2026.