Justin Simmons, known as one of the hardest-hitting safeties in the NFL since Kam Chancellor’s retirement, is a focal point in discussions about top NFL free agent landing spots this offseason. After eight productive years with the Denver Broncos and a solid season with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, Simmons is positioned to join a team seeking veteran presence and versatility in the secondary.
During his tenure with Denver, Simmons was a cornerstone of the defense, amassing 603 tackles and 30 interceptions. His ability to excel in coverage while contributing robustly in run support made him a valuable asset. Although his performance metrics have dipped recently—his PFF grade slipping to 59.8 in 2024 after consistent grades in the 70s and 80s—Simmons still offers experience and a physical style of play that can complement a struggling or developing secondary.
Selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Boston College, Simmons initially signed a four-year rookie deal with Denver, followed by consecutive franchise tags in 2020 and 2021. That year, he secured a four-year, $61 million extension, but the Broncos released him in February 2024, paving the way for his one-year, $8 million contract with Atlanta. In his 16 games with the Falcons last season, Simmons contributed 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, and seven pass deflections.
Buffalo Bills’ Secondary Needs and Simmons’ Potential Fit
The Buffalo Bills aggressively revamped their defense in the offseason following a campaign highlighted by quarterback Josh Allen’s MVP-winning performance but marred by defensive shortcomings. The addition of edge rusher Joey Bosa and promising rookies including cornerback Maxwell Hairston and defensive tackles T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker aims to boost the defensive line and secondary depth.
However, safety remains a particular area of concern. Last year’s safeties—Damar Hamlin, Taylor Rapp, and Cole Bishop—ranked among the lowest in the league, with Hamlin and Bishop outside the top 80 in PFF grades and Rapp only managing 57.7, positioning him 75th overall. Simmons, despite his recent decline, would still bring the highest level of experience and production to Buffalo’s safety group.
Given Buffalo’s emphasis on youth and draft capital, Simmons could be an attractive option on a one-year deal, offering leadership and reliable play without a heavy long-term financial commitment. His familiarity with the Vic Fangio defensive scheme would ease his integration, allowing the Bills to stabilize their back end as younger players develop.
How Simmons Fits into the Minnesota Vikings’ Defensive Scheme
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for his complex defensive approach, including aggressive blitz packages and trusting corners in isolated coverage. A significant facet of his game plan includes using three safeties simultaneously, a strategy that contributed to Minnesota’s defensive success last season through havoc-creating players like Harrison Smith, Camryn Bynum, and Josh Metellus.
With Bynum now in Indianapolis, the Vikings have a gap at the third safety spot, currently projected to be filled by Theo Jackson, a young player with limited NFL experience. Adding Simmons would provide a proven role player familiar with playing multiple safety roles without carrying the full burden of the defense. His tough tackling and interception skills align well with Flores’ defensive philosophy, making Minnesota an appealing destination suited to Simmons’ strengths as he approaches the later stages of his career.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Defensive Struggles and the Case for Simmons
The Cincinnati Bengals endured a disappointing defensive season despite star quarterback Joe Burrow delivering MVP-level offense. Defensive failures led to frequent high-scoring losses, undermining the team’s playoff aspirations. In response, the Bengals invested in defensive talent during the offseason, including first-round edge rusher Shemar Stewart and promising linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, though the secondary remains insufficiently addressed.
Cincinnati’s safeties from 2023, Geno Stone and Jordan Battle, struggled offensively and grade-wise, both posting PFF marks near 53. With the franchise also focused on contract negotiations for top pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, improving safety depth may not be an immediate priority, but it remains a pressing need.
Simmons could compete directly for a starting role or at least provide crucial depth behind Stone and Battle, raising the competition level and strengthening practice reps. His experience and reliable tackling ability present a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Bengals as they aim to balance offensive potency with defensive resilience.
Additional Teams Considering Simmons for Defensive Reinforcement
Beyond the Bills, Vikings, and Bengals, teams such as the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, and even the Denver Broncos are reportedly monitoring Simmons’ availability. Each could benefit from his veteran expertise and physical style, particularly in defenses that value versatility and toughness in their secondary units.
While Simmons is no longer a top-tier, lockdown safety, his ability to complement dynamic defenses and play within complex schemes retains appeal, especially for teams in need of leadership and depth behind younger players.
Why Simmons’ Experience and Style Still Matter in 2024
Justin Simmons represents a blend of physicality, coverage skill, and experience that few safeties in free agency can match. His understanding of defensive schemes akin to those popularized by Vic Fangio provides potential suitors with a player who can contribute immediately without a steep learning curve. This makes him an attractive candidate for teams seeking to improve their secondary without committing long term.
As the NFL free agency period continues, Simmons’ decision and landing spot will impact both his career’s twilight years and the defensive fortunes of a team in search of a reliable safety upgrade. His presence could be pivotal to teams looking to stabilize their defenses and compete at a high level in the coming season.