The Tennessee Titans made a blockbuster trade on Thursday. Fans had been speculating that rebuilding Titans might trade superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. That's precisely what they did, sending Simmons to the Chicago Bears in exchange for two first-round picks (2027 and 2028) and a fourth-round selection (2027), per various reports.
This trade means the Titans are fully embracing the rebuild. Trading Simmons in exchange for future draft capital speaks volumes of the Titans' current direction. General manager Mike Borgonzi understands that the 29-year-old Simmons will be past his prime once the organization successfully resets.
Currently, the Titans are slated to own the No. 2 overall selection in the 2027 NFL Draft. They'll now be equipped with the Bears' first-round selections in the next two drafts as well. The Titans are in full-blown tank mode.
Titans fully embrace the rebuild by trading star DT Jeffery Simmons to the Bears
The Titans had signed Simmons to a new three-year extension just earlier this offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler was the face of the franchise. Things change fast in the NFL, however, and with the Titans at 1-6, future draft capital is more beneficial to the rebuild than a 29-year-old defender is.
The Titans defense will miss Simmons greatly. He was the only pass rusher generating any consistent pressure. Expect Robert Saleh's defensive line to really struggle without Simmons. This trade wasn't made with current results as its priority.
Titans move forward without Jeffery Simmons, and with lots of NFL Draft capital
Borgonzi will now be equipped with the draft capital required to oversee a rebuild. He'll possess two first-round selections in the 2027 and 2028 NFL Draft classes. What that means for quarterback Cam Ward remains to be decided.
The Titans will approach the 2027 and 2028 drafts with various needs. A dynamic EDGE rusher and shutdown cornerback were already big-time necessities. Defensive tackle is too, following Simmons' departure.
If the Titans earn the No. 1 overall selection after this Simmons trade, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith would possibly be the pick. Left tackle and quarterback are potential future needs, depending on Ward's development.
The Titans wasted Simmons' prime by failing to build a competitive roster around him. Trading him for future draft capital hurts, but is the correct admission of where they stand organizationally. The Titans now possess enough 2027 and 2028 draft capital to rebuild properly.
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