Justin Simmons has been an All-Pro the past three seasons, is still a difference-maker, and is sitting on his couch right now. Multiple teams should sign the All-Pro, but five teams stick out as potential suitors.
Five Teams That Should Sign Justin Simmons
Baltimore Ravens
The best way to replace a defensive coordinator? Star power. Simmons could slot right next to Hamilton, as Simmons has experience at free safety while Hamilton likes to roam the box, and immediately have the best starting duo in football. Simmons would take a little time to adjust to the position change, but at the end of the day Cover 2 is Cover 2, and Simmons is a difference maker. In the AFC North, even a third-string safety is a necessary part of any good defense, and the Ravens could make a push to be the best in the league.
Los Angeles Chargers
In a similar move, if the Chargers sign Justin Simmons they could have a fairly complete back two. One of Derwin James or Simmons would need to move out of position, but both are extremely capable pros that can be multiple for a defensive coordinator. Being multiple is a must in today’s day and age, so adding a safety of Simmons caliber would be a boost. Jim Harbaugh loves some tough defense and running the air out of the ball, and if they upgrade at safety step one could be well on its way.
Carolina Panthers
Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller are solid. Simmons is a needle mover. The Panthers need to make the switch from rebuilding to competing, and Simmons can be part of the shift. If the team doesn’t take a serious step forward, Bryce Young could be on the hot seat. It’s not often a team has a number one overall pick two years in a row (even after trading it), and it’s even less likely they stick with Bryce at quarterback if they do. To keep the team together and fight in a wide open NFC South, the Panthers need to sign Justin Simmons.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Do Steelers fans feel comfortable with DeShon Elliot? They shouldn’t. Making a move for Simmons is well in Omar Khan’s bag these days. It wasn’t long ago the Steelers didn’t make splash moves like this. Once Khan took over, moves like this have become more commonplace. Despite big contracts across the defense, they still have $15 million in cap space for 2024. Eventually someone is going to make a move for Simmons, why not Pittsburgh?
Kansas City Chiefs
Of all the teams to try and net Simmons, who has a better pitch than Kansas City? He’s spent most of his career on less than great teams, and if he wants a ring, who’s an easier bet than Kansas City? At this point, the Chiefs have plenty of cap space, are early favorites for the Super Bowl, and have some guy named Patrick Mahomes on the roster. If Simmons is a mercenary hunting for a playoff bound team, the Chiefs should be option number one.
Main Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Universal Responsible Gambling Disclaimer: Ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
