Top available free agent safety Justin Simmons may sign with the Philadelphia Eagles this summer. According to a report, the Eagles’ biggest need before they start this upcoming season is the safety position so they may acquire Simmons to fill it. Bleacher Report’s Derrick Klassen said the best solution for the Eagles secondary is to upgrade with the 30-year-0ld. Simmons is probably the most surprising free agent this summer out of any available player since he hasn’t found a home yet.
However, plenty of available safeties like Jamal Adams can fill the position at a veteran discount. It would be logical for the Eagles to get someone like Simmons since he’s one of the best available on the market. In 2022, he registered a league-high of six interceptions while still being consistent into the next year posting 8 passes defended and three interceptions. Simmons never had an official visit with the Eagles but they need safety since they had one of the worst secondaries last year.
Philadelphia is still a contender this upcoming season so Simmons wouldn’t budge to consider signing with them. He may have to settle for a one-year deal at this point since the NFL season is just a few months away. However, the Eagles have been able to upgrade their secondary corps after drafting Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They probably won’t be ready for week one since they’re only rookies who are still learning the playbook.
Last season, Reed Blankenship was forced into action late into the year which wouldn’t be a good sign for week one. C.J. Gardner-Johnson may be coming back but Simmons has more experience with Vic Fangio. The chemistry would bring reliability and value to a struggling pass defense back on their feet.
Top Available Free Agent Justin Simmons May Sign with the Eagles
Other Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens still have an interest to fill in help at the safety position. Geno Stone isn’t around anymore so they are looking to upgrade their monster defense. One report believes Simmons could be the last addition to an already best roster in the league. However, if he’s looking for a starting role then maybe Baltimore isn’t the best spot for playing time.
One should note that the Ravens still need depth to give Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Willaims more freedom. The good news is that Simmons could get a free ride to the Super Bowl since the Ravens are constructing a promising roster. Simmons seems more to be a luxury so they could easily rotate him around if the defense plays more press.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs haven’t got anyone special to replace what L’Jarius Sneed has been able to do last season. Safety isn’t the biggest need but it would be wise to add a veteran to help guys like Justin Reid and Bryan Cook. They have a lot of unproven starters on their team and a quick one-year deal to sign an insurance policy would be beneficial for their third consecutive Super Bowl run. Simmons probably wants a starting role so the Chiefs would give him that to replace what Sneed has been able to succeed.
New Orleans Saints
Marcus Maye isn’t coming back since he’s signing a contract with the Dolphins. It’s always been the plan for the Saints to move on from him after a disappointing 2023 campaign. However, Simmons is easily the best replacement to fill that hole. Simmons teaming with Tyrann Mathieu could make this team one of the best secondaries in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers
Simmons could help Derwin James in the secondary with his veteran status to help the core group. Jim Harbaugh wants a strong reliable defense so Simmons could make them a playoff contender worthy of helping Alohi Gilman. One veteran addition doesn’t hurt to get this young roster up to speed.
