The Buffalo Bills secondary struggled at times last season, and it remains the roster’s biggest weakness as the 2025 NFL draft approaches. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, one of the league’s top remaining free agents, sounds ready to help the cause.
Simmons appeared on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams on Tuesday and told host Kay Adams that Buffalo is one of the “special” destinations he’d love to land:
Bills, Eagles, Bengals.
4x All-Pro safety Justin Simmons says, “it would be special” to sign with one of these teams. Where should he go?@heykayadams | @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/l5Mo2WzNdy
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
General manager Brandon Beane doesn’t have a lot of financial flexibility remaining, though. The Bills have just $5.3 million in salary-cap space (via OverTheCap) and must still account for signing their draft picks.
That said, if Simmons is willing to consider a team-friendly, incentive-laden contract, there’s no doubt he’d represent an upgrade to Buffalo’s safety group.
Justin Simmons, Bills May Be Perfect Match
Simmons’ NFL Track Record
Simmons established himself as one of the NFL’s best safeties across eight years with the Denver Broncos. Along with his pair of Pro Bowl selections, the Boston College product was also voted a Second Team All-Pro four times.
However, His play dropped a bit after joining the Atlanta Falcons last season. His 62 tackles represented the lowest total since his rookie year in 2016, and his two interceptions tied a career low. A 59.9 Pro Football Focus grade accurately represents his mediocre play.
Players with the most INTs since 2020:
Justin Simmons – 21
Trevon Diggs – 20
Tyrann Mathieu – 19
Jessie Bates III – 18
JC Jackson – 18 pic.twitter.com/KP93UJbZyO— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) April 8, 2025
The uncertainty about whether Simmons can still play at an elite level is why he’s still on the free-agent market. It’s a possibility the 31-year-old Virginia native will never return to peak form.
Yet, it’s important to remember he’s only one year removed from being a Second Team All-Pro. He was also far from the only issue on a Falcons defense that ranked 23rd in yards allowed. Joining a Super Bowl contender, which seems like his strong preference, could spark a bounce-back year.
Bills’ Safety Situation
The fact that Buffalo brought back Damar Hamlin to compete for a starting role says everything about the state of the position. Hamlin is one of sports’ ultimate inspirational stories, but the reality is he’s nowhere close to a starting-level talent in the NFL.
Hamlin joins Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, and Darrick Forrest on the safety depth chart. The Bills will hope Bishop earns a starting spot after being drafted in the second round last year. Rapp is the other leading candidate to start, but he’s a boom-or-bust option.
Cole Bishop making a touchdown saving tackle from depth. Holds this to an 8 yard gain
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) January 28, 2025
The long-time stability Buffalo had at the position with the tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer magnifies the problem. The difference between what that duo provided for seven years and what the Bills received from their safeties last year was significant.
Bishop showed promise in limited snaps as a rookie. He should eventually become a reliable stalwart in the defensive backfield. There are still a lot more questions than answers about the future of the position, though.
How Buffalo Should Handle Simmons’ Interest
It’s unlikely the Bills will make any major moves before the draft, and rightfully so. They currently own 10 picks, which gives Beane ammo to work some magic. Whether that’s making a trade for a veteran or moving up to select a coveted prospect, the general manager’s options are wide open.
In turn, a potential Simmons arrival to Buffalo would likely have to wait at least a few weeks. By early May, Beane and Co. will have a clearer outlook on not only the state of the safety position but also how much cap space is available for a late free-agent signing or two.
Here’s something that won’t change: the Bills being in win-now mode. The franchise is in a position to possibly chase down its first Super Bowl title, thanks to MVP quarterback Josh Allen. Beane must act like it. No stone should be left unturned under the guise of having plenty of years left to contend.
JUSTIN SIMMONS PICKS OFF JOSH ALLEN‼️
Two turnovers in two possessions for the Bills 😱 pic.twitter.com/jlDHHpj4Gs
— ESPN (@espn) November 14, 2023
As a result, Simmons making it clear he’d love to play for Buffalo is tough to ignore. A safety of his caliber, even if he’s lost a step, could really help a defense that needs more playmakers. A one-year deal where the team gets a much-needed upgrade, and the player gets a chance to show he’s still a high-impact contributor before reentering the market makes a lot of sense.
If Simmons instead joins the Cincinnati Bengals, a fellow AFC contender, the decision could haunt the Bills next January.
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
