Jeffery Simmons' Reaction to Blockbuster Trade to Bears Revealed by Titans GM Mike Borgonzi

Jeffery Simmons didn't initiate the process leading to his blockbuster trade from the Tennessee Titans to the Chicago Bears.

Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi told reporters the four-time Pro Bowler "didn't want to leave" and was surprised to learn of his exit:

Borgonzi said he discussed the situation with head coach Robert Saleh on Wednesday night after Bears GM Ryan Poles made a serious approach:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on The Pat McAfee Show the Bears effectively made the Titans an offer that was too good to pass up, knowing that was what would be required to get the trade across the line:

Simmons had been a subject of somewhat regular trade speculation with Tennessee struggling to contend. Its last playoff trip was in 2021.

Both parties seemingly put the issue to bed by striking a bargain on a three-year, $105.8 million extension in June.

Simmons said at the time that "Tennessee has become a second home for me," and he was "focused on helping this team get back to competing for championships."

Given he's under contract through his age-33 season, it was reasonable to assume he could spend the remainder of his career in Nashville.

Things are rarely that straightforward in sports, though.

Borgonzi had to operate in the Titans' best interests, and two first-round picks is a massive haul for Simmons.

It's on the front office and coaching staff to make the most of that draft capital. In theory, the first-rounders should yield more value to a rebuilding team than what Simmons would've provided.

The 29-year-old has been in the NFL long enough to understand the business side of the game. Still, it's a little jarring when you're the one who's being unexpectedly shipped out.