NFC North Arms Race: Bears Land Jeffrey Simmons While Packers Prep for Micah Parsons' Return

The NFC North is officially an arms race, and the latest moves prove nobody is interested in playing defense with practice squad guys anymore. Ian Rapoport just dropped a double-shot of news: Micah Parsons is returning to practice for the Green Bay Packers next week, and the Chicago Bears just traded for defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons.

If you are an opposing quarterback in this division, it might be time to update your life insurance policy. The Bears just added a certified wrecking ball to the middle of their defensive line, while the Packers are getting back one of the most terrifying edge rushers in the sport.

"Ian Rapoport reported the news via NFL GameDay Kickoff"

Chicago is coming off a 30-24 win over the New England Patriots, but clearly, the front office looked at the tape and decided they needed more violence in the trenches. Trading for Simmons is the kind of all-in move that signals a team is tired of rebuilding and ready to actually ruin some offensive coordinators' weekends.

Meanwhile, Green Bay desperately needs the reinforcements. They just dropped a tight 20-17 divisional rock fight to the Detroit Lions. Getting Parsons back on the field is the equivalent of finding a loaded bazooka in your garage right when you need to defend your house.

From a market perspective, these are the types of defensive upgrades that swing point spreads and make the under look a lot more appealing in cold-weather games. You do not trade for Jeffrey Simmons or rush Micah Parsons back to the facility unless you are dead set on making a deep playoff run.

The Packers get a slight breather against the Carolina Panthers this week before Parsons officially ramps up. But once he is back in the lineup and Simmons gets acclimated in Chicago, the NFC North is going to be an absolute nightmare for anyone trying to hold onto the football for more than two seconds.