Jeffery Simmons told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he had I didn’t hear anything that led him to expect to be traded during the 2026 season, but things can change quickly in the NFL.
The Titans exchange Simmons to the Bears on Thursday in a deal that sent two first-round picks to Tennessee and general manager Mike Borgonzi explained how it played out in a news conference. Borgonzi said he’s fielded calls about Simmons more than once since joining the team, but none of them led him to think a trade was the right move until Wednesday night.
“I got a phone call late last night from someone I’ve known for a while, Ryan Poles, the general manager of the Bears,” Borgonzi said. “He’s really the only person who spoke up and said, ‘Would you accept this?’ At that point you need to integrate all the information.
Borgonzi said that information included “where we are as a team” and how to “really maintain success going forward.” Both of those indicated he accepted the offer and he did so after speaking with Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk on Thursday morning. Borgonzi then informed Simmons, who joined “a lot of people” in surprise when they learned how things were going to play out.
Borgonzi said Simmons didn’t want to leave, but thought it was a great opportunity for the veteran to compete at the highest level right now. The Titans have work to do to get there and Borgonzi’s tenure will be judged by how he uses the assets acquired Thursday in that effort.
Gn sports
