AFC contender the Buffalo Bills are named the best fit to add Pro Bowl free agent Justin Simmons this offseason. One of the better veterans is still surprisingly on the market but he may sign with a new team soon. However, the Bills have been making plenty of moves in their secondary this offseason, losing long-time safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Buffalo is attempting to fill the void by drafting Utah safety Cole Bishop in the second round this year.
However, reports say the Bills should add a veteran and Simmons would fill the insurance policy. Buffalo may be high on Bishop, but they need someone with experience to replace Hyde and Poyer. The Bills are open to bringing Hyde but it seems like he’ll be heading into retirement after rumors say he’s only coming back if it’s with Buffalo. The team asking Bishop to be a reliable starter on a Super Bowl-caliber roster is probably too much.
Simmons should come in as the No. 1 safety in this lineup while Bishop starts slow, starting as the backup. He’s probably the best available free-agent safety other than Jamal Adams who’s still available. The veteran has been consistent with his ball production, notching 30 interceptions since 2016. Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team suggested Simmons could be an immediate boost for a struggling Bills secondary.
They’ve been going with some major changes this offseason so adding one rookie just won’t cut it for the team. The Bills would need more than one player with proven experience to be a leader of this defense. They had that with Poyer last season but he isn’t with the team anymore. Simmons’ addition would help Bishop work at a slower pace in his first year.
AFC Contender Buffalo Bills Named “Best Fit” To Add Pro Bowl Free Agent Justin Simmons
Is He The Same Player?
Simmons may not be the same player he was when he started his NFL career. However, his availability and the numbers he can put up while restoring a defense are just what the Bills may need. He isn’t the long-term solution but he would be a great stop-gap option until the rookie is ready to take over services. Simmons is coming off a season earning a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro honors, making 70 total tackles with three interceptions and eight passes defended.
Many talking heads could be scratching their heads as to why the Broncos were so easily letting go of their best player. Simmons has been durable, appearing in at least 15 games in six of the last seven seasons. However, they made a move solely for the salary cap to make some space for other incoming younger players. Since Hyde doesn’t look to be coming back this upcoming season, they could take Simmons for now.
The Broncos are focusing on figuring out a contract extension for Courtland Sutton so there are no plans to bring back Simmons. They’re not financially ready to bring back one of their players and they may make one more trade before the upcoming year. Here are some potential destinations for the All-Pro safety.
Potential Destinations
The Ravens are still looking for a safety addition to their secondary depth after reports saying he’s a perfect fit. They had a visit with Jamal Adams last week but they haven’t made any progress to sign him. However, Simmons seems to be the better fit from a financial standpoint. They have Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams but they need a replacement for Geno Stone.
The Chiefs have not been improving their roster after taking a hit at their secondary. They haven’t been able to replace their star cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed. However, they could easily have Simmons be the replacement as still one of the best available defenders. The Chargers don’t have the cap space for it but they could add an immediate upgrade if they sign Simmons
The secondary was underperforming last season with Alohi Gilman and Derwin James. However, James teaming with Simmons could be the secondary duo that the Chargers need to strike fear in opposing offenses. The same goes for the Saints who were looking into Adams. However, Simmons would be the better addition given his age and experience he has.
