Justin Simmons found himself being a part of a rather bleak week for veteran Pro Bowl safeties.
One day after All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer was released by the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos announced their intentions to sever ties with their top safety performer Thursday.
With Simmons now available on the free agency market, he’s anticipated to be in hot demand for teams seeking both safety help and adding a defensive piece to their Super Bowl aspirations. Here’s which teams present the best fits.
Justin Simmons Free Agency Predictions 2024
Why did the Broncos move on from their two-time Pro Bowler?
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported the Thursday move first, shared how moving on from Simmons will save Denver $14.5 million in cap space.
The Broncos appear set on going with a youth movement ahead of ’24. They already released quarterback Russell Wilson before cutting the 30-year-old Simmons. But with his credentials, Simmons looks like a strong fit for the following teams.
Simmons Adds Strong Veteran Presence for Eagles
Count Simmons among the list of high-intrigue safeties for a Philadelphia Eagles team in need of a veteran upgrade at that position.
PFN’s own Nick Faria is one believer that Simmons and the Eagles can be a strong pairing. Faria points to one connection in Philly that could sway a Simmons signing.
“Justin Simmons was a Pro Bowl and All-Pro caliber player under Vic Fangio in Denver. He may be 30 years old now, but he’s still a strong safety with plenty of experience to fit well with the current Eagles’ defense,” Faria wrote. “This is the one name tied to Philadelphia right now more than anyone else simply because of his prior relationship with the Eagles’ current defensive coordinator.”
Turns out Simmons’ first Pro Bowl nod came with Fangio as his head coach — which was in 2020 when Simmons snatched five interceptions and a still career-best 77 solo tackles. His familiarity with Fangio’s system puts the Eagles in the mix for Simmons.
Miami Presents Possibility if Dolphins Can’t Get Jordan Poyer
PFN Dolphins reporter Adam Beasley noted how the Bills’ Wednesday roster purge could convince the division-rival Miami Dolphins to make a run at newly released players like Poyer. The Dolphins look to be in need of solidifying their safety room next to Jevon Holland.
But if Poyer doesn’t end up in South Beach, don’t be shocked if the Dolphins make a run at Simmons.
With six straight seasons of picking off three or six passes, Simmons would fit right in at a place that already has the fast-rising Holland and established Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Simmons would also not command as high a salary, given he’s now in his 30s.
But if Ramsey and Simmons don’t team together, then perhaps Ramsey’s past NFL stop can swoop up the latter.
Rams Present Opportunity to Address Safety Help Through Simmons
The Los Angeles Rams built themselves back up nicely following their injury-riddled 5-12 season of 2022. Even after their postseason return and with young, intriguing defenders like Kobie Turner and Byron Young in the front seven, the backend needs help.
Jordan Fuller is a free agent. Same with John Johnson III, who returned to the Rams during 2023 training camp after being cut by the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, the Rams lacked a true ball-hawk in the secondary by snatching only 10 picks during their playoff return. Furthermore, LA hasn’t seen a safety grab four interceptions since Taylor Rapp during the Rams’ Super Bowl 56 run.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Top 100 Free Agent Rankings
Simmons brings a needed ball-hawking nature if brought to the “Rams House.” But he’s also an interchangeable safety capable of covering the slot wide receiver (Simmons allowed no more than 59 receiving yards his side in every 2023 game he played), to stepping up and snuffing out the run (Simmons produced 70 tackles in his ’23 Pro Bowl campaign).
Simmons may also be drawn to the fact he can play with past NFL Defensive Player of Year Aaron Donald as well as be in a defensive room filled with young talent like the 2023 draft finds Young and Turner.
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