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

Titans head coach Robert Saleh said the franchise will not engage in a fire sale before the trade deadline, but the offer from the Chicago Bears for defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons was too attractive to reject. The Bears agreed to send their next two first-round draft picks to the Titans in exchange for Simmons, a move Saleh described as one the team could not realistically pass up.

"No one’s shopping any of our guys, but like I told our guys, when you don’t close out games, and you’re standing here at 1-6, teams are going to start fishing," Saleh said. "And eventually a team threw a hook big enough that I don’t think any of us could’ve said no to."

Saleh praised Simmons as "by far" the best defensive tackle in the NFL and highlighted his leadership qualities. He declined to disclose the details of his final conversation with the player.

"I’ll keep that between me and him," Saleh said. "Very, very, very tough conversation."

The two first-round selections acquired in the trade could provide the Titans with assets to rebuild a roster capable of competing for victories.