Sitting at 4-2 and just getting Caleb Williams back from injury, the Chicago Bears are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline. Even with Montez Sweat suspended and Dayo Odeyingo on the IR, you can argue the Bears' interior defensive line is still just as big of an issue as their edge rusher room.
One player the Bears can trade for to fix that would be Tennessee Titans star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. Simmons was listed as the number two player who needs a change of scenery at the trade deadline by Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports. Dajani noted that while Simmons might not be moved, the Bears are the best fit for Simmons.
Chicago Bears Could Trade for Jeffery Simmons at Trade Deadline
“Simmons is the longest-tenured Titan and the emotional leader of this team,” wrote Dajani. “He just signed a three-year, $105.8 million extension four months ago. It doesn't seem likely that he's moved, but Simmons would be talked about like one of the best players in the NFL if he were wrecking games for a contender.”
From a schematic sense, it is hard to find a fit better for the Bears than Simmons. He is an upfield penetrator and has a massive body, which is what Dennis Allen looks for along the interior.
Simmons was a first-team All-Pro last year, and with four sacks in six games this year, he is already being discussed amongst the best in the NFL amongst all defenders.
“Through six weeks of the NFL season, there is no defensive lineman creating more value against the run than Simmons,” wrote Ben Solak of ESPN, when discussing the chances of Simmons being a defensive player of the year candidate.
Simmons being the biggest impact player on the defense would turn the group around overnight. The hard part will be the cap and draft compensation.
Because Simmons is signed beyond this year, and because he is making a case for Defensive Player Of the Year, the price tag will be hefty. The Bears will not only have to trade significant draft capital, but they also have to fit his salary cap into their roster.
They have a young roster and enough movable contracts that it could work out. However, it would take a lot of work. We know that GM Ryan Poles is not afraid to pull the trigger on a franchise-changing trade. Would he make that move for Simmons?
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