Justin Simmons remains unsigned as the NFL’s preseason enters Week 2. The former Denver Broncos star went through free agency and training camp without joining a team, but he’s making a move toward potentially joining an NFC South contender.
The Atlanta Falcons will host the four-time All-Pro safety Simmons this week.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the news on X, the website formerly known as Twitter. Rapoport also added he “also recently visited the rival Saints.”
The #Falcons are hosting Pro Bowl FA safety Justin Simmons on a visit today and tomorrow, sources say. Atlanta was hit with injuries at the position, and Simmons is a potential answer.
Simmons, the top free agent available, also recently visited the rival #Saints. pic.twitter.com/eGW6OTEdX4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2024
As Rapoport notes, the two-time Pro Bowler is the best free agent on the market here in mid-August. It’s perhaps surprising that the 30-year-old defensive back is unsigned at this moment. But that could be the Falcons’ gain. Simmons has proven he can play at an elite level, and he’d be a great addition to the Atlanta secondary.
The Falcons lost safety Demarcco Hellams to an ankle injury this summer. They still have former Pro Bowler Jessie Bates III around, who had a terrific season after signing with Atlanta on a four-year deal last offseason. Teaming up Bates with Simmons would make for a potentially formidable back end of the secondary.
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022