The Bears have secured a Pro Bowl defensive tackle in Jeffery Simmons while still scouting the Titans’ edge‑rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
Key points
- The Bears have added Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons to their defensive front.
- Chicago remains interested in acquiring edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, likely at a price lower than a second‑round pick.
- The Titans are in rebuilding mode and may be willing to trade Johnson for draft assets.
Chicago announced Thursday that it acquired Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in a trade, adding a four‑time Pro Bowler to a defensive line that already includes Montez Sweat and Joe Tryon‑Shroyer.
Reports also link the Bears to Titans edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler listed Chicago – alongside Cleveland – as a potential destination, noting that the Titans, sitting at 1‑6, could entertain offers that include draft picks.
Simmons joins a Chicago defensive line
Johnson, a former Robert Saleh favorite from their Jets days, posted three sacks and six quarterback hits in 14 games for New York in 2025. He has matched those numbers in the first seven games of the 2026 season and is entering the final year of his contract, which could make him a short‑term rental for a team willing to pay a modest price.
General manager Ryan Poles has been active at the deadline, having executed six in‑season trades since 2022, including the acquisition of Tryon‑Shroyer. With the Bears sitting at 5‑2, Poles appears eager to bolster the pass rush before the playoffs.
Johnson II remains on Titans’ radar
For Tennessee, moving Johnson could bring valuable draft capital as the franchise rebuilds, while retaining Simmons gives them a proven interior defender for the upcoming season.
Reader questions
Which Titans player did the Bears acquire?
Chicago traded for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, a four‑time Pro Bowl selection.
Is Jermaine Johnson II still available for trade?
Reports suggest the Bears are among the teams interested in Johnson, but no formal offer has been confirmed.
How might the Johnson trade affect the Bears' defense?
Adding Johnson could improve the Bears' pass‑rush efficiency, complementing the interior presence of Simmons and Sweat.
Source: si.com
