Adding three-time All-Pro defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons helps out every single member of the Chicago Bears defense.
Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who will line up next to a 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle, knows how his presence will help his game and the rest of the defensive line.
Jarrett told the media at Halas Hall after Friday's practice that Simmons will “draw extra attention” and could even dictate the type of offensive protections, with slides going in Simmons direction.
Grady Jarrett knows what Jeffery Simmons brings to the Bears
That should open up more one-on-one opportunities for Jarrett and defensive ends Montez Sweat and Austin Booker throughout the game. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen finally has a player that opposing offenses must game plan for on every snap he is in the game.
Before the Bears traded two first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-rounder to acquire Simmons, Jarrett shared that he was watching film on the disruptive defensive tackle. Although Jarrett has played 173 games over 12 years in the NFL, he still likes to pick up small details from other players around the league. Jarrett highlighted Simmons’ tenacity, mindset, and ability to push himself despite previously being on a Titans team that had only one win that season.
Those qualities, along with Simmons’ quickness and power, stood out to Jarrett during his film study, and now all of those intangibles are part of the Bears’ organization.
Simmons also spoke at the podium for the first time at Halas Hall on Friday. He said that if he gets a slide from the offensive line, drawing attention, he expects Jarrett and Sweat “to go win.”
Simmons has been a captain for the Titans for the last five years, and he clearly isn't afraid to expect the best from his teammates and push them to perform. That's one of the qualities general manager Ryan Poles mentioned during his Friday availability when discussing Simmons.
This massive move just before the November 10 NFL trade deadline brings significant upside to a team that is already 5-2 and preparing for a primetime Monday Night Football matchup against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
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Jarrett mentioned the trade for Simmons “speaks volumes” because it shows how much the organization believes in the team right now and raises expectations. That's a mindset Jarrett, Simmons, and the rest of this Bears team can get behind as they look to keep making strides in the 2026 NFL season.
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