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Every year since 2020, Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson has had to face Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons twice a year. After Nelson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on Wednesday, he did not think he would have to deal with Simmons again any time soon. But that did not pan out.
The next day on Thursday, the Chicago Bears traded for Simmons. Now, Nelson gets to go against Simmons ahead on Monday Night Football when the Seahawks face the Bears. When asked about the trade, Nelson was highly complimentary of Simmons.
“He’s an amazing football player and competitor,” Nelson said. “I was like, ‘Man, can’t get away from this guy.’ So, yeah, it’ll be another battle against him this week.”
Prior to Chicago’s trade for Simmons, the Seahawks’ trade for Nelson had been the biggest mid-season trade this year. But the Bears needed help on the defensive line. They tried to go after DeForest Buckner, but he had his mind set on going back to the San Francisco 49ers.
There were also rumors that Chicago was looking to reunite with Khalil Mack, who played for them from 2018 to 2021. However, acquiring Simmons as opposed to Mack makes more sense for the future. Mack will be 36 years old before the start of next season, while Simmons turned 29 in July. Therefore, Simmons should have far more time left in the NFL than Mack.