The Chicago Bears have officially confirmed that All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons will don the No. 99 jersey during his first practice with the team on Friday. This number change was necessitated by the presence of college teammate Montez Sweat, who currently occupies the No. 98 jersey in Chicago. Simmons, who wore No. 98 during his tenure with the Tennessee Titans and No. 94 at Mississippi State, will now sport his third distinct number in professional and collegiate play. The Bears’ social media channels announced the switch, signaling the immediate integration of the new acquisition into the defensive line rotation.
All-Pro interior rusher joins Montez Sweat in a dominant new Bears defensive front.
Simmons represents a transformative addition to the Bears’ defense, arriving as one of the NFL’s premier interior pass rushers at the age of 29. In a blockbuster trade, Chicago sent two first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans to secure the three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. His impact has been statistically significant, with 44.5 career sacks, eight forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and 30 pass deflections. Most notably, Simmons recorded a career-high 11 sacks in the 2025 season and has already accumulated four sacks this year, demonstrating consistent elite production in the prime of his career.
This trade fundamentally alters the dynamic of the Bears’ defensive front, pairing Simmons with Sweat to create a formidable interior duo capable of disrupting opposing offenses. By securing a proven game-wrecker, Chicago has addressed a critical need for consistent pressure without relying solely on edge rushers. The addition of Simmons provides the Bears with a versatile and high-volume pass rusher who can operate effectively in both two-high and single-high defensive schemes. As he prepares for his first reps in a Bears uniform, the focus shifts to how quickly this new partnership can translate into on-field dominance for the franchise.
Source: Yahoo Sports
