Collin Cassady

The BTS of how the Jeffery Simmons deal came together, according to multiple league sources. Having checked in with the Titans several times over the last couple weeks, the message was he’s not available. But this is a reminder, as one team said: “Everyone has a price.” The reality is that these two GMs — Mike Borgonzi and Ryan Poles — know each other from their days together in Kansas City. The Bears, according to multiple sources, made a push for DeForest Buckner as well, but didn’t feel comfortable with the draft capital Indy wanted. Instead, they then pivoted to arguably the best DT in football in Simmons, with the feeling that he changes the entire complexion of the defense and makes them a bona fide Super Bowl threat. After hearing from as many as 3 other teams inquiring on Simmons, the Titans simply felt that Chicago’s offer had reached a price where “we could not say no anymore.” That’s when this thing became serious, and that’s why it happened so quickly.