NFC already shaking after Chicago Bears’ Jeffery Simmons trade

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NFC already shaking after Chicago Bears’ Jeffery Simmons trade

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 30, 2026 12:54 PM ET

At 5-2, the Chicago Bears were already considered a strong contender to win the NFC. But after trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, Chicago’s Super Bowl hopes are looking much more realistic.

With head coach Ben Johnson calling the shots, the Bears have been led by their offense. They enter Week 8 ranked third in that regard, averaging 390.7 yards per game. To their credit, Chicago’s defense has held up, ranking eighth overall by allowing 313.4 yards per game. Still, there were some glaring holes.

In particular, the team’s secondary has struggled to stop explosive plays. Adding a player like Simmons will make it trickier for opposing quarterbacks to get into a rhythm. The cornerbacks must step up, but adding a defensive tackle of Simmons’ caliber can erase a lot of mistakes.

As the trade deadline looms, teams around the NFC are figuring out how to bolster their roster. They’re all now well aware of how challenging it’ll be to face Chicago now.

Chicago Bears enter NFC’s elite

With Caleb Williams under center, opposing defenses have to contend with abilities they may not see the rest of the year. Between his ability to escape the pocket, accuracy and big arm, Williams is continuing to prove why he was a No. 1 overall pick.

Now, the Bears have a similar player on defense. A trench mauler who isn’t afraid of double teams and is consistently causing havoc in the backfield. At least one other NFC GM is quivering at how dangerous Chicago can be, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

“Respect to the Bears for doing that,” the anonymous GM said. “That offense with this defense now makes them a Super Bowl roster for this year and for years to come without a doubt.”

Ultimately, football games are won on the gridiron, not on paper. Simmons will need to prove to be the impact addition as expected. But giving up two first-round picks for him, the Bears are fully confident in what their new defensive tackle brings to the table.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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