Titans Trade Jeffery Simmons to Bears for Draft Picks Amid QB Speculation
The Tennessee Titans made a significant move during the 2026 NFL season by trading four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears. In return, the Titans received two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection. This trade marks a key strategic decision for both teams. Chicago gains one of the top defensive players as they aim for their first Super Bowl victory since 1985. Meanwhile, Tennessee bolsters its draft assets, focusing on future rebuilding efforts.
The trade has sparked discussions about the Titans’ quarterback situation, particularly concerning Cam Ward. Ward’s performance in his second NFL season has been underwhelming. As the Titans linger at a 1-6 record, there is speculation about their strategy ahead of the trade deadline on November 10. On Thursday’s episode of “NFL Live,” ESPN insider Adam Schefter addressed the situation.
“The Tennessee Titans continue to stand squarely behind Cam Ward, and they still believe in him,” Schefter said. “Now that always could change, of course. But I think they think that he’s had three different head coaches. He’s had three different offensive coordinators. He’s a season and a half through his NFL career. And they believe he deserves the time he needs to develop into the quarterback that they still think he will be. They are not thinking quarterback right now. Could that change? Sure, but that’s not their thinking today.”
Ward’s season has not gone as planned. Over seven games, Ward has completed 129 of 208 passes, resulting in a 62% completion rate. He has accumulated 1,179 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions, with an additional 71 rushing yards. Ward has suffered 11 sacks, and his passer rating is one of the lowest in the league at 73.8. This is even worse than his 80.2 rating from his rookie season.
Despite significant offseason efforts to improve the team, including recruiting top rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate and notable free agent Wan’Dale Robinson, Ward’s struggles continue. The team also brought in the experienced offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and new head coach Robert Saleh. These changes have yet to translate into better performance for Ward.
Speculation about trading for a new quarterback seems unfounded as benching Ward could damage his confidence at this crucial stage. Yet, if Ward’s difficulties persist, Tennessee may face a tough choice during the draft season. With the recent draft capital from trading Simmons, they now have two first-round picks in both the 2027 and 2028 NFL Drafts. This positions the Titans well to select top quarterback prospects such as Darian Mensah, Dante Moore, Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss, Julian Sayin, and CJ Carr.
While the Simmons trade does not necessarily indicate a loss of faith in Ward, it does offer Tennessee greater flexibility if Ward does not improve.