The Indianapolis Colts need help at safety. Justin Simmons, one of the NFL\u2019s best players at the position, is currently a free agent. With that said, a Simmons-to-Indy scenario just makes a ton of sense.<\/p>\n
Surprisingly, Simmons is still available. After the Denver Broncos released him in March, you would think he would\u2019ve signed with another team by now. But obviously, that hasn\u2019t happened yet. Justin Simmons is an immensely talented Pro-Bowler who could immediately upgrade the Colts secondary.<\/p>\n
After playing his college ball at Boston College, Justin Simmons was selected by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He went on to have an astounding eight-year career in Denver. Simmons earned two Pro Bowl nods and was named a four-time Associated Press second-team All-Pro. He also earned an NFL Top 100 selection three times. In addition, he was a three-time nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.<\/p>\n
Justin Simmons had several outstanding plays during his time with the Broncos. He came up with game-winning interceptions versus the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2017, the Miami Dolphins<\/a> in 2020, and the Washington Commanders<\/a> during the 2021 season. Perhaps his most memorable play came in 2016 when he blocked an extra point against the New Orleans Saints. Fellow safety Will Parks ultimately returned it as Denver won the game.<\/p>\n Simmons is the league\u2019s only player to record at least three interceptions in each of the past six seasons. He tied for the NFL lead in interceptions during the 2022 season.<\/p>\n 2023 was a Pro Bowl campaign for Simmons. The Florida native produced 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a sack.<\/p>\n The Colts selected a pair of designated safeties (Jaylon Carlies<\/a> and Jaylin Simpson) in the fifth round of this year\u2019s draft. However, both players are moving to different positions. Carlies will play linebacker while Simpson switches to cornerback. Therefore, the Colts really didn\u2019t address the safety position via the draft.<\/p>\n Indianapolis did re-sign<\/a> Julian Blackmon this offseason, though. While he\u2019s guaranteed to start at strong safety, the free safety spot is up for grabs. Daniel Scott, who was competing for a starting spot, suffered a season-ending injury<\/a> this spring for the second consecutive year.<\/p>\n Simmons would be perfect for the job. Although he\u2019s 30 years old, he hasn\u2019t shown signs of slowing down. He and Blackmon could form a dynamic one-two punch this upcoming season. Plus, Simmons could mentor Indy\u2019s young safeties like 22-year-old Nick Cross.<\/p>\nWhy Indianapolis Should Sign Him<\/h3>\n