The free agent market is starting to heat up, which means it should only be a matter of time before four-time Second-Team All-Pro Justin Simmons finds a new home. Following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, all 32 rosters are starting to take shape and teams are pursuing the remaining free agents to cover up any additional flaws on their teams. We’ve already seen guys like DJ Chark and Odell Beckham find new deals, and Simmons is a considerably better player than those two, albeit at a different position.
The Denver Broncos embraced a rebuild the second they took on a record-setting amount of dead money to release Russell Wilson. While Justin Simmons is still a good player, the Broncos had no choice but to make him a free agent and take the additional financial savings that came with his release. Even though he is entering his age-31 season, Simmons made the Pro Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors last year. He can still be an above-average starter on a contender, and these five teams could use a safety.
Free Agent Justin Simmons Could Sign With New Team Soon
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints believe they are contenders, which is enough to put them in the Justin Simmons free agent sweepstakes. The team addressed their cornerback need when Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry fell into the second round, and now they need to find a safety. Simmons is a natural fit for this defense, and having him play free safety will allow Tyrann Mathieu to spend more time in the box. With McKinstry, Simmons, Mathieu, and Marshon Lattimore on the field, New Orleans could have one of the better secondaries in football.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers will need to get creative to make the money work, but Justin Simmons is an ideal free agent fit for this defense. San Francisco has one of the most ferocious front sevens in football, but they could use some additional support on the back end. While fourth-round rookie Malik Mustapha has some promise as a hard-hitting box safety, Simmons can patrol the deep part of the field. Seeing as the 49ers share a division with DK Metcalf, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Puka Nacua, this team could use a player like Simmons.
Arizona Cardinals
Don’t look now, but the Cardinals are quietly building a solid roster. After hovering around .500 with a rusty Kyler Murray, the franchise quarterback is now healthy and has six top-100 picks to support him, including superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. This team could make a surprise playoff push in 2024 if they sign a free agent like Justin Simmons to secure the back end. Simmons might be on the older side, but he can still play at a high level and should provide some mentorship for fourth-round rookie Dadrion Taylor-Demerson.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs addressed the offensive side of the ball early in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they could still use some help in the secondary. Rookie Jaden Hicks has some long-term potential, but the Washington State product is still raw and probably shouldn’t play too big of a role as a rookie. The Chiefs shared a division with Justin Simmons for close to a decade now, so they should know exactly what the free agent brings to the table, and how to best utilize him as they go for their third championship in as many years.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are not a true contender, but they should be interested in a veteran free agent like Justin Simmons. While Carolina added some offensive talent for Bryce Young, this team will still have to win games with defense. Jadeveon Clowney secured the edge and Stephon Gilmore would be a much-needed fix at cornerback, but the Panthers could use another safety to pair with Xavier Woods. Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense, and this unit would ease the burden on Young and the passing attack.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing – USA Today Sports
