When the news broke Thursday that the Bears had traded for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, it created a palpable jolt of energy throughout Halas Hall.

"Anytime you get an opportunity to add a player of this significance, everybody gets excited," said defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. "I mean, it's like waking up on Christmas morning and you go out and you see all the presents under the tree."

General manager Ryan Poles acquired Simmons from the Titans along with a 2028 fifth-round pick in exchange for 2027 and 2028 first-round selections and a 2027 fourth-round choice. The eight-year veteran is a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler who has recorded 15.0 sacks since the start of the 2025 season.

"We're talking about a talented player," said special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. "I'm excited for Ryan and his crew, and I'm excited for this organization, this city, bringing a player like that, that type of talent. And the things I've heard about him from the people that I know in Tennessee that I've worked with, [he's an] even better person than he is a player."

Shortly after the trade was made, offensive coordinator Press Taylor heard clapping outside his office and then received a FaceTime call from his brother, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who had a huge smile on his face.

"I'm like, 'thank you, we're excited,'" Press said. "And he's like, 'No, we play the Titans this week!' Oh, so that makes a lot more sense for why [he was] excited … A lot of people were [excited]. Just a little juice for us, adding a player of that caliber."

Taylor knows exactly what type of player the Bears landed after facing Simmons in the AFC South as a Colts assistant (2021) and Jaguars offensive coordinator (2022-24).

"I was in the division for four years with the guy and I know it's a nightmare," Taylor said. "Twice a year it was an absolute nightmare having to deal with him — just being aware of where he is, how you're blocking him every given play. And you know what he's going to do. He's a high motor, incredibly productive, terrifying guy to go against. I'm glad we're not going against him anymore."

In 25 seasons as an NFL coach, Allen said that he's never worked with a defensive tackle as elite as Simmons.

"I don't know that I've had anybody that's been what I would consider this dominant," Allen said. "I've had some good players that have played inside for us — David Onyemata comes to mind — but I don't know that I've had anybody this disruptive.

"He's a hell of a football player, but as much as he is, the athlete and the skill set that he has, I'm just as intrigued in bringing another guy into the building who has tremendous football and personal character. I think that's really what we try to do here as much as we can. Adding pieces like that who have the talent and ability to affect the game is a big part of what we try to do in acquiring talent here."

Right guard Jonah Jackson lined up opposite Simmons at times during a Bears-Titans joint practice this summer in Nashville.

"He's a dynamic player," Jackson said. "He can play the run very well. He can pass rush incredibly well. It's nice to have him on our team now. We don't have to go against him. When you have a guy like this, you've got to game plan for him. You have to know where he is at all times."

Bears defensive tackle James Lynch played next to Simmons the previous two seasons in Tennessee and is eager to reunite with him.

"It's impressive to see him work and just do his thing, his routine," Lynch said. "I've learned a lot from him. Just studying the game, when we show up the first day of the week, he's already got a full [scouting report] of the O-line, thoughts on everybody. Seeing that shows you what it takes to be at that level, and the only thing you can do is strive for that. Having someone like that in the room really elevates all of us."