Jeffery Simmons Was 'Heartbroken' After Being Traded To Bears

ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images&period;

Jeffery Simmons Was 'Heartbroken' After Being Traded To Bears

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Oct 30, 2026 4:58 PM ET

The Tennessee Titans sent shockwaves through the NFL on Thursday by trading All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears.

In order to get this deal over the finish line, Chicago traded two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to Tennessee. That might seem like a steep price to pay, but Simmons has proven to be a true difference-maker. Since turning pro in 2019, Simmons has racked up 414 tackles, 96 QB hits, 46.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the initial news left Simmons heartbroken. Although he was traded to a true Super Bowl contender, he wasn’t exactly eager to leave Nashville.

“The news still wasn’t public. The circle remained tight, and Simmons told Borgonzi and Saleh he was a bit heartbroken and didn’t want to leave,” Breer wrote. “The Titans’ coach and GM then told Simmons this wasn’t the organization turning its back on him, and that he’d always have a home there and would be back to be honored as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.”

Breer also reported that Titans players were “stunned” when they learned about Simmons being traded.

Oct 11, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) stands during the National Anthem against the Houston Texans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesSteve Roberts-Imagn Images.

On Friday, Simmons released a statement that’ll certainly have Titans fans feeling quite blue.

“The love I have for the city of Nashville is unmatched. For 8 years I have poured everything in me into Nashville and the Titans organization. Nashville became home. A place where I grew as a player, man, father, and a LEADER. I always pictured myself finishing what I started here, bringing winning football back to Nashville, and continuing to build something special with the Titans,” Simmons wrote. “The relationships I’ve built in that building will forever mean more to me than any sack, tackle, or individual accomplishment. And to Titans Nation… THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! Since being drafted in 2019, you stood by me through it all. You embraced my family, supported my foundation, and allowed me to make an impact beyond football. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. My love for this city will never change, no matter what jersey I have on.”

Simmons has adjusted his expectations for 2026.

Now that Simmons is on the Bears, he knows anything short of a championship this season will be viewed as a disappointment.

“My game, my passion, my energy, my leadership, I can only help this team even more than what it’s got,” Simmons said, via NFL.com. “This is a great locker room from quarterback all the way down. My job is not trying to come in here and be nothing than but myself. I’m excited to be able to help this team compete for a championship. That’s every team in the NFL’s goal. I think right now with the way this team has been competing — I’ve been watching these guys from afar — it’s a great team, great locker room and I’m excited to do my part to help this team get to its goal.”

The Bears are 5-2 heading into their Monday night showdown with the Seahawks. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of role Simmons has during his Chicago debut.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: