nbcsports
The Chicago Bears pulled off a significant midseason trade, acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans in a deal that included two first-round picks. The move signaled the team's intent to bolster its defense with a proven playmaker.
Speaking at a Friday press conference, General Manager Ryan Poles acknowledged that he was uncertain whether the Titans would be willing to trade Simmons, given his importance to their franchise. However, the Bears believe Simmons can make an immediate impact and contribute well into the future, as he is under contract through 2030.
Poles also took the opportunity to dispel any notion that the organization is abandoning its draft-centric philosophy. He referenced a popular phrase that has circulated among fans and media, saying, "One thing I want to hit, I know it's kind of a joke that goes around, but, 'F them picks' is like a big thing — that's really not what we're about." He continued, "I know it took a lot to get this done, but we absolutely believe that the draft and bringing [in] young talent is the way you sustain success around here."
The GM stressed the importance of maximizing the remaining draft capital and undrafted free agent acquisitions. "I'm challenging myself and our crew, for the picks that we do have, we have to hit," Poles said. "We have to be great with our undrafted free agent process. And whatever tier of free agency we're working in, which we'll have constraints, we have to hit there, too."
Beyond his on-field abilities, Simmons is expected to elevate the Bears' culture. Poles highlighted the veteran defender's intensity and standard of play. "His intensity that he brings to the football field, he has a certain standard of how you play this game," Poles remarked. "He lives that. He models that behavior. I think that when you don't live that, he's a guy that makes it a little bit uncomfortable for you, too, which is important. I don't know that we have that right now, and we do with him, adding him."
Poles also noted the overwhelming support for Simmons from coaches, players, and others who have worked with him. "When your phone blows up, and you have coaches, players, people that have been with him that talk about what he means to a football team, to the culture, you know exactly what he's going to do," he said.
Simmons is coming off a career-best season in which he recorded 11.0 sacks, marking his first double-digit sack campaign. In seven games so far in 2026, he has tallied 4.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. Poles indicated that he expects Simmons to play in Monday night's matchup against the Seahawks.
Key Analysis
The Bears' acquisition of Jeffery Simmons demonstrates a win-now approach, but Poles' comments underscore a delicate balance between leveraging draft picks for immediate upgrades and maintaining long-term roster-building principles. By publicly rejecting the "F them picks" mantra, Poles reaffirms the importance of draft and development in sustaining success. Simmons' presence is also seen as a cultural boost, bringing a level of accountability and intensity that the team currently lacks. His performance will be closely watched as Chicago aims to make a playoff push.
Originally reported by nbcsports.