Jeffery Simmons’ time with the Tennessee Titans has ended. The perennial All-Pro defensive tackle was traded to the Chicago Bears on Thursday. It marks the end of over seven years with the AFC South franchise.
Titans’ general manager Mike Borgonzi has now revealed that Simmons did not want to leave Nashville. Titans fans reacted on X.
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A fan said, “Man this makes it hurt a million times worse. This is a all time low for this Franchise.”
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Another added, “I hate this. I hate it so much.”
One wrote, “He made the right decision. Its not an easy one today to justify for many. But this shows me Borgonzi will be given a serious chance at a rebuild. A long waited rebuild.”
Another said, “He made the right decision. Its not an easy one today to justify for many. But this shows me Borgonzi will be given a serious chance at a rebuild. A long waited rebuild. Jeff can win now.”
One chipped in, writing, “Then call him and tell him to resign with us in 2 years.”
Another wrote, “Oh no. This hurts even more.”
Borgonzi explained just how difficult it was to tell Jeffery Simmons that he had been traded to the Chicago Bears.
“It was hard, was really hard. I know Jeff did not want to leave here,” Borgonzi said.
“I thanked him for everything he has done here on and off the field. It was a really hard conversation for him. I also told him it was a great opportunity for him to compete now for a Super Bowl.”
According to Clutch Points, the trade occurred after Bears general manager Ryan Poles contacted Borgonzi on the night before the deal was made. Borgonzi wasn’t actively shopping the one-time first-team All-Pro DT, but the Bears’ offer seemed too good to pass up.
The report adds that coach Robert Saleh and Titans controlling owner Amy Adams-Strunk were consulted before making the deal. The move leaves the Titans with a gaping hole on defense while the Bears get another potentially important piece in their deep postseason quest.
What’s next for Jeffery Simmons?
Jeffery Simmons was a key piece in the Tennessee Titans‘ defense and a highly respected member of the Tennessee community. The team built its defense around his versatile skill set, and he was a consummate professional off the gridiron.
The Tennessee Titans are 1-6, and they’re viewed as shoppers as the trade deadline approaches. However, few would have expected the departure of a franchise cornerstone without a ready-made replacement waiting in the wings.
As for Jeffery Simmons, he’ll get a chance to compete for a Super Bowl under Ben Johnson’s guidance. Johnson has led the Bears to a 5-2 record ahead of Week 8, and the team is one of the league’s most driven.
Simmons has reached the playoffs three times in his seven-plus-year career. Maybe a change of scenery might be just what he needs to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Edited by Nick Igbokwe
