Titans’ Simmons Trade Raises Questions About Cam Ward’s Future

The Titans dealt defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to Chicago, receiving first-round selections for 2027 and 2028, along with a fourth-round pick in 2027. The deal gives the Titans additional draft capital as they try to improve a team that has struggled this season.

At a news conference after the trade, general manager Mike Borgonzi cited veteran safety Amani Hooker and newcomers Jermaine Johnson and Solomon Thomas as potential leaders. He also expressed confidence in the team’s young players improving, but did not name Cam Ward, the quarterback Tennessee selected first overall in 2025.

Ward has passed for 1,179 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games this season. He has also rushed for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Tennessee has a 1-6 record.

Asked whether the trade carried a message about Ward, Borgonzi said the team needed to improve and that the picks would help it make roster-building decisions. Coach Robert Saleh said the move was about building a competitive roster, not Ward.

The picks give Tennessee flexibility in the next two drafts, including the ability to trade up or down. The team is set to have four first-round selections across those drafts. How it uses them, and what the trade means for Ward’s future, remains an open question.