The Chicago Bears released defensive end Jamree Kromah on Thursday to open a roster spot for newly acquired defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the move on X, writing, “Sources: The #Bears are releasing DE Jamree Kromah.”
He added, “The 26-year-old was a preseason star and one of Chicago’s highest-graded defenders in each of the last two weeks. However, the Bears needed the roster spot after trading for Jeffery Simmons.”
Kromah, listed at 6 feet 3 and 268 pounds, produced three sacks during the preseason. He posted six tackles, including four solo, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the exhibition opener against Cleveland. He added three solo tackles and a sack in the finale against Tennessee.
Those numbers did not carry over once the regular season began. Kromah appeared in two games while filling in for suspended edge rusher Montez Sweat and recorded two tackles. He did not start and logged limited defensive snaps.
The Bears, 5-2 and second in the NFC North, acquired Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans in exchange for first-round selections in 2027 and 2028 plus a 2027 fourth-round pick. The deal, agreed to Thursday and pending a physical, represents one of the larger midseason investments in recent years for a player still under contract through 2030.
Simmons, 29, has four sacks and 38 tackles through seven games this season. He posted a career-high 11 sacks in 2025 while earning first-team All-Pro honors. The four-time Pro Bowl selection signed a three-year extension in July worth $105.8 million, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the league at the time.
Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi described the decision as difficult. “It was hard. It was really hard. I don’t think Jeff wanted to leave here, you know? I thanked him for everything he’s done here on and off the field. It’s a really hard conversation here. And I think it’s also a great opportunity for him too. To go someplace here and have an opportunity to compete now for the Super Bowl.”
ESPN’s Turron Davenport reported that Bears general manager Ryan Poles contacted Borgonzi the night before the trade.
“Mike Borgonzi said Ryan Poles called him last night about Jeffery Simmons. Borgonzi hadn’t been shopping Simmons up until that point. He spoke to Robert Saleh last night and Amy Adams-Strunk this morning before making the trade,” Davenport wrote.
Simmons is expected to make his Bears debut Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Chicago’s defensive line had been operating without Sweat for two games because of a performance-enhancing substances suspension. Sweat has since returned to the roster.
Kromah went undrafted in 2024 after playing at Rutgers and James Madison. He spent time on practice squads with the Bears and New England Patriots before earning a spot on Chicago’s 53-man roster this season. His preseason production suggested a possible rotation role, but the Simmons acquisition left no room.
The Bears entered the week ranking near the middle of the league in points allowed and sacks. Adding a proven interior rusher who ranks among the league leaders in tackles and pressures among defensive tackles addresses a clear need ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Kromah becomes a free agent and could draw interest from teams seeking depth on the edge. His recent high grades in limited action give him a chance to land elsewhere before the end of the season.
The trade signals Chicago’s willingness to part with future draft capital for immediate help while the team sits in the playoff picture. Simmons joins a front that also includes Sweat and other rotational pieces as the Bears prepare for the second half of the schedule.
