Justin Simmons, a former Pro Bowl safety for the Denver Broncos, signed with the Atlanta Falcons on August 15, 2024. The Falcons secured Simmons on a one-year, $8 million contract, with $7.5 million fully guaranteed.
Release from the denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos released safety Justin Simmons in March 2024 as a cost-cutting measure. The move saved the organization $14.5 million in salary cap space. Despite Simmons’ consistent performance over eight seasons with the Broncos, including a Pro Bowl appearance last season, the team’s financial constraints led to his release.
Standing Among NFL Safeties
Justin Simmons is widely regarded as one of the top safeties in the NFL:
- He has been named Second Team All-Pro four times and selected to the Pro Bowl twice.
- Since entering the league in 2016, Simmons has recorded 30 interceptions, more than any other player in that span.
- He is the only player in the league to have at least two interceptions in every season from 2016 to 2023.
- Simmons ranks third among active safeties in career interceptions, behind only Harrison Smith (34) and Tyrann Mathieu (33).
Interest from Other Teams
Before signing with the Falcons, Simmons drew interest from multiple teams:
- He visited the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the week.
- The rival New Orleans Saints had previously hosted Simmons for a visit.
Ultimately, Simmons chose to join the Falcons, where he will pair with fellow Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III to form one of the most formidable safety duos in the NFL. The Falcons’ acquisition of Simmons, along with their recent trade for pass rusher Mathew Judon, significantly elevates their chances of winning the NFC South.