The first week of free agency has come and gone, and Justin Simmons’ services haven’t been picked by any team just yet.
After being released by the Denver Broncos just over a week ago, the All-Pro safety has seen younger players go at his position for solid annual money. At 31 years old, though, Simmons joins other veteran players who haven’t been picked up, like Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson, and Micah Hyde.
We’re still early in the free agent process, and even though he hasn’t found the deal he wants, there’s still plenty of time for Simmons to locate his new home.
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Some analysts have wondered why organizations haven’t pounced on a veteran safety with plenty of experience and success. Simmons posted another solid season in 2023 while recording 70 tackles, three interceptions, and eight passes defended. Few safeties available that already received new deals tallied the numbers that he put up.
The big reason why a deal hasn’t been struck, though, could be because of Simmons.
As early as Wednesday, reports about Simmons’ negotiations noted that his asking price was too high for teams to reach. While there are teams interested in the All-Pro, the amount of money being requested might need to drop to get a deal done.
Should that happen, there will be some teams interested in bringing the former Bronco over to their roster. Let’s look at the updated list of teams that might close a deal.
Philadelphia Eagles
Despite Derrick Gunn’s report that the Eagles were no longer in on Simmons, the fact that the veteran hasn’t found a new home is great for a franchise that still needs another safety.
As of now, Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Sydney Brown are the only safeties on the roster. Brown is coming off a late-season torn ACL, so it’s hard to imagine he’ll be ready for the start of the year.
That’s why bringing in Simmons, after he lowers his price point, could still make sense. With Vic Fangio now on as defensive coordinator, Simmons could provide much-needed talent and leadership at the position as long as he fits in the Eagles’ salary cap plans.
Seattle Seahawks
Diggs and Jamal Adams are out. But that doesn’t mean Seattle is looking to punt on the defensive backfield. New head coach Mike Macdonald values excellent safety play and could bring in a leader like Simmons.
Other organizations like the Tennessee Titans could present viable landing spots as well, but when you look at the loss of talent Seattle has had, bringing in a competent veteran to keep pace with the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams just adds up.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may have brought back Ronnie Harrison Jr., but a veteran like Justin Simmons would yield the kind of leadership and skill Indy is looking for.
Remember, this is still a young team that is expecting to have Anthony Richardson back at QB next year.
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If the Colts can solidify a defensive back-end that ranked among the worst in yards and points allowed, they can compete with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans for the AFC South crown and present a very tough out in the playoffs next season.
As with every team listed, Simmons would need to lower his price to make it work.
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