Albert Breer: How Two Former Roommates Put the Jeffery Simmons Trade Together

Key Points:

• The blockbuster trade sending three-time All-Pro Jeffery Simmons from the Titans to the Bears was rooted in a 17-year friendship between GMs Ryan Poles and Mike Borgonzi, who first connected while working together at Boston College and later lived in the same Kansas City apartment complex.
• After extensive research on past impactful trades and numerous inquiries over two years, Titans GM Borgonzi finally engaged in serious negotiations with Bears GM Poles, culminating in a deal involving Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick for Chicago’s 2027 and 2028 first-rounders plus a 2027 fourth-rounder.
• The trade is considered borderline unprecedented in value for an in-season NFL deal, ranking eighth over the past two decades, and is expected to accelerate the Titans’ rebuild while giving the Bears a star defensive lineman to complement their young quarterback and contend in a strong division.
• The Titans informed Simmons privately before announcing the trade, with coach Robert Saleh urging the team to respond professionally despite the shock; the Bears hope to capitalize on their recent success and Simmons’ talent to maintain momentum.
• Other NFL trade notes include the Colts, Eagles, Chargers, Commanders, Cardinals, Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, and Titans evaluating or fielding offers for key players, while teams like the Chiefs, Steelers, Giants, Jaguars, Vikings, Bills, and Browns are actively seeking roster upgrades ahead of the deadline.