NFL Trade Talk: Analyzing the Jeffery Simmons Move

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From Outspoken With Dan Sileo

Jeffrey Simmons Deal Carries Major Expectations for the Bears

The move to send top-flight defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons to the Windy City raised questions about the price the Bears paid. One initial reaction was whether Jaylen Carter should have been traded instead. If Simmons is worth two first-round picks, Carter could command the same return because he is much younger.

Simmons is a great defensive tackle, but the 21st pick feels expensive because the Bears may not be as close to contention as others believe. The NFC North is exceptionally competitive, while the NFC West also contributes to a difficult conference playoff race. The Bears could win 10 games and still miss the playoffs.

A move of this size means the Bears must reach the playoffs and make a serious run. They may not need to win the Super Bowl for the deal to work, but they should reach the NFC Championship Game.

If the Bears advance deep enough to make the acquired draft picks fall around 30th or 31st overall, the price becomes easier to accept. If the season falls apart and one of those selections becomes a top-10 pick, however, the deal will not look good. One first-round pick would have been reasonable, but two felt too heavy.