The Chicago Bears landed one of the NFL's best defensive plays in a trade for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons in exchange for two first-round picks. There's been plenty of excitement about the move, but there's no one more excited, perhaps, than defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.

“It’s like waking up on Christmas morning and seeing all the presents under the tree," Allen said Friday. "I think all of us were excited.”

Allen admitted that he's never had a player as dominant as Simmons on his defense, which speaks volumes about what he's been able to accomplish with Chicago in the last two seasons. Specifically this season, where the Bears have the seventh-most sacks (19) in the NFL despite lacking that dominant force up front. Until now, which really opens things up for what Allen can do on defense.

"I don't know if I've had anybody 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."

Simmons is immediately the Bears' best defender, and he elevates the entire defense, especially a defensive line that's been underwhelming in 2026. Guys like Grady Jarrett, Montez Sweat and Austin Booker serve to benefit from the addition of Simmons, who was dominating on a bad Titans team. Now, he gets a chance to join a contender and show the rest of the NFL why he should be in contention for Defensive Player of the Year.