The Baltimore Ravens are in the market for a free agent safety, and Justin Simmons is the best one available. Originally released in a cost-cutting move, the two-time Pro Bowler has yet to land with a new organization. This isn’t due to a lack of talent on Simmons’ part, as the former third-round pick remains one of the best safeties in the game. Starting in 15 games last year, the veteran finished the season with three interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, one sack, 70 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss.
Justin Simmons is looking for the perfect fit from both a scheme and financial standpoint, and the Baltimore Ravens might be the ideal landing spot. The team already has two above-average starters in Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams, but they should find a proper replacement for Geno Stone. Baltimore runs more three-safety looks than anyone else and recent reports indicate that the Ravens are actively looking for a third safety.
Ravens Could Sign Free Agent Justin Simmons To Fix Safety Issue
This report isn’t surprising, as Baltimore recently brought in Jamal Adams for a free agent visit. While the former sixth-overall pick was one of the best in the game at his peak, the former Seahawk dropped off dramatically in recent years. If signed, he’d only be a backup to Kyle Hamilton. Justin Simmons makes far more sense for the Ravens, as he has more in his tank and is more of a natural fit for the Geno Stone role.
Of course, the Ravens might not have the money to sign Justin Simmons. As of this posting, the team has just $5.7 million in cap space and had to watch several key free agents depart in the offseason due to the lack of spending money. If Baltimore can’t afford the two-time Pro Bowler, one of these other five teams could make a move.
Other Potential Fits
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are all-in on the 2024 season. After landing their franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud, the team signed multiple impact players during free agency and traded for star veterans in Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon. This team has the talent to hoist the Lombardi, but their secondary still needs some work. The AFC features multiple elite passing attacks, and a free agent like Justin Simmons could help Houston take down the Ravens, Chiefs, and Bills when the postseason begins.
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco’s defense goes as far as its front seven will take it. While the unit is loaded with elite players capable of getting after the quarterback, the reigning NFC champions should invest in some help for the secondary. Fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha has potential as a box safety, but Justin Simmons can roam the deep part of the field and discourage shots over the top. Seeing as the 49ers will face their fair share of elite passing attacks, Simmons could be the difference between some crucial wins and losses.
New Orleans Saints
Safety is arguably the biggest need on the Saints roster. While Tyrann Mathieu can still play, the team doesn’t have a great second option. At this point in his career, Mathieu is better off as a box safety, and signing Simmons would allow both players to play to their strength. Just like the Ravens, the Saints will need to get financially creative if they want to sign Justin Simmons. However, no team in the league is better at manipulating the salary cap than New Orleans. If they want him, they’ll find a way to get him.
Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is gone, which means Kansas City will ask more of their safeties in 2024. Last year, Trent McDuffie and Sneed could both lock down their respective side of the field. That won’t be the case this year, which means the team could use a free agent like Justin Simmons to make life easier for Joshua Williams, or whoever ends up starting on the outside. After sharing the division with him for so long, the Chiefs should know exactly what Simmons brings to the table and how to best utilize him.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh is an old-school coach who wants to win with defense and the running game. He used this formula to lead the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl back in 2012, and a big part of that defense was the safety duo of Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner. Derwin James could be the Whitner for this team, and Justin Simmons could be Goldson. Alohi Gilman had a strong season last year, but Simmons can improve the pass defense of a team that will face Patrick Mahomes twice a year.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
