The Denver Broncos lost their starting quarterback and arguably best defensive player in a matter of days. After taking a record $85 million in dead money to part ways with Russell Wilson, the Broncos needed to do something to try and free up some cap space. Apparently, that something involved releasing Justin Simmons, who becomes a free agent in a loaded safety class.
Despite the release, Simmons remains one of the better safeties in football. According to Pro Football Focus, the former All-Pro finished the 2023 season with a 67.9 overall grade, the 40th-best mark out of 95 eligible players. While he’s not the all-around star he once was, he’s still a good player. However, Denver is embracing a rebuild and simply needed the $14.5 million created by his release.
Justin Simmons Becomes A Free Agent Following Shocking Release
It’s going to be fascinating to see how the safety market plays out this year. Consistently undervalued, a good safety can provide crucial support against both the run and the pass, discouraging deep targets over the top while also serving as the last line of defense against breakout runs. The Patriots and Seahawks had two of the best defenses of the past decade, and both units were led by Devin McCourty and Earl Thomas, respectively.
Normally, a player like Justin Simmons would make a boatload of money as a free agent. However, the supply of good safeties could exceed the number of available starting jobs, which is going to drive down everyone’s market. Who knows how much money he’ll get, but the following teams should be interested in signing him for at least a one-year deal.
The free agent safety market is insane:
Xavier McKinney
Kyle Dugger
Justin Simmons
Kamren Curl
Eddie Jackson
Kevin Byard
Julian Blackmon
Geno Stone
Micah Hyde
Jordan Poyer
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Quandre Diggs
Jamal Adams
Darnell Savage
Jeremy Chinn
Rayshawn Jenkins
Jordan… https://t.co/m99VUig8RQ— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 7, 2024
Best Team Fits
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks released Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, which means they have a glaring need at the safety position. Fortunately, they have $44.24 million in cap space, so they should be able to throw money at the position. While Geno Stone has some familiarity with head coach Mike MacDonald, Justin Simmons might be the best free agent fit. Simmons is no Earl Thomas, but he can easily be the top safety on a reliable defense.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers defense has plenty of young talent, but they need a veteran leader to help them play to their potential. Justin Simmons is an ideal fit for the role, as the free agent should help elevate Green Bay’s on-field product and locker room. With Jordan Love getting another year of experience under his belt, this team could make a deep playoff run if the defense holds up their end of the bargain.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions deserve all the credit in the world for making it to the NFC Championship Game with a supbar defense. All of the key offensive players are coming back for 2024, which means the team should focus on improving the other side of the ball. CJ Gardner-Johnson struggled during his lone season in Detroit, and free agent Justin Simmons should be a sizable upgrade.
Los Angeles Chargers
If any team knows just how good Justin Simmons can be, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers. While Jim Harbaugh is in his first year with the organization, there are plenty of remaining scouts and players who have witnessed Simmons first-hand and know what he can bring to a defense. Los Angeles desperately needs more electric players on the defensive side of the ball, and Justin Simmons is a perfect free agent signing for this team.
New Orleans Saints
Can the cash-strapped New Orleans Saints afford to sign Justin Simmons as a free agent? Quite frankly, with all the safety talent on the open market, it’s hard to say. There is a chance Simmons comes at a relative discount, and if that happens, New Orleans needs to pounce on the opportunity. With Marcus Maye out of the picture, the Saints could use a reliable player like Simmons to pair with Tyrann Mathieu.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
