Titans trade defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to Bears for two first-round picks

The Tennessee Titans completed a trade on Thursday that sent defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears in return for two first-round draft picks. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi explained that the decision was made after a phone call from Bears GM Ryan Poles and a discussion with owner Amy Adams Strunk.

"He’s really the only person who came out and said ‘would you accept this?’ You have to take in all the information at that point," Borgonzi said at a press conference. He added that the information considered included the Titans' current status and the need to sustain future success, which led the organization to accept the Bears' offer. Simmons, who had previously told reporters he had not heard any trade rumors, was informed of the move and expressed disappointment, but Borgonzi said the trade provides a strong opportunity for the veteran to compete at a high level. The Titans' future performance will now depend on how effectively they leverage the acquired draft assets.