Veteran safety Justin Simmons, one of the most consistent defensive backs of the past decade, is once again navigating free agency — but this time, he’s hoping for a faster conclusion. After spending eight years as a pillar of the Denver Broncos’ defense, Simmons had a brief one-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Now, at 31 and heading into his 10th NFL season, Simmons is focused on two things: finding the right fit and finally tasting postseason football.
Appearing on Up & Adams on Tuesday, Simmons opened up about his approach to free agency and why timing matters more than ever.
“That’s always the goal,” Simmons said of signing earlier than he did last year, when he remained unsigned until mid-August. “I think, yes, there’s pros and cons to training camp. Cons is going through it, your body breaking down… But a lot of the pros is building that rapport, especially when you’re not with the team and you haven’t necessarily played with a lot of those guys.”
Despite joining Atlanta late last year, Simmons still managed to produce — 62 tackles, seven pass breakups, and two interceptions — but he missed out on postseason honors for the first time in five years. With the Falcons parting ways with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and seemingly leaning into a youth movement, the writing may be on the wall for a return to Atlanta.
“It was a one-year thing,” Simmons said. “They like their younger guys, too. Sometimes, things don’t work out and you go in different directions. I don’t know if the door’s necessarily closed, but we’ll see.”
At this point in his career, Simmons is looking less for a rebuild and more for a winner. Though he’s long been recognized for his high football IQ, ball-hawking ability, and leadership, Simmons has yet to play in a single postseason game. That drought has helped shape his priorities in 2025.
“I want to go to the best situation, and I want to go to a team that’s gonna win,” he said.
One potential landing spot that makes both logistical and emotional sense: the Philadelphia Eagles. The team recently traded away safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, creating a void in the secondary. Simmons also has a strong connection with new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who coached him for three seasons in Denver.
“Going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you’re getting out of me and I know exactly what I’m getting out of them,” Simmons explained. “I think I could really help in that area.”
He also spoke highly of Philadelphia’s current safeties, including Reed Blankenship, but hinted that his experience in Fangio’s system could make him a seamless addition.
Another option, though more surprising, could be the Kansas City Chiefs — the very team Simmons battled year after year in the AFC West while wearing orange and blue. The idea of joining the reigning dynasty in search of a ring isn’t off the table, even if there’s history there.
“Am I shutting that door? Am I closing it? No,” Simmons admitted. “But I want to be the team that beats them… I’m not that incompetent to think if Kansas City wanted me to come through, I wouldn’t, but I just want to beat them, man.”
Ranked No. 71 on Gregg Rosenthal’s top free agents list, Simmons remains a highly valuable option for any team looking to add a veteran leader with range, versatility, and playoff hunger. With the NFL Draft looming, Simmons’ market could begin to solidify quickly once teams assess their needs and remaining gaps.
Wherever he ends up, one thing is certain: Justin Simmons still has plenty left in the tank — and he’s looking for a team ready to win now.
