Here’s how the New Orleans Saints may land Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro safety and former Denver Bronco.
Justin Simmons, a four-time All-Pro safety and former Denver Bronco, could sign with the New Orleans Saints this summer. The market for safeties remains wide open for any club looking to upgrade its secondary, but the Saints may require one to supplement the other. Simmons may be out of their budget, but if he doesn’t find a job quickly, he might accept a one-year contract. New Orleans cut Marcus Maye to save money on the cap, but they still need to upgrade Tyrann Mathieu.
He had three interceptions in 2023, one season after setting a career best with six. Simmons also deflected eight passes, forced two fumbles, recovered one, and had a sack. He was three years into a four-year, $61 million contract. His dismissal saves the Denver Broncos $14.5 million on the salary cap, and they plan to cut even more.
Head coach Sean Payton has effectively begun a rebuilding process, and there is uncertainty regarding what they may do next. The greatest free agency news was Russell Wilson’s release and move to the Steelers, but losing Simmons is costly for the defense. Denver had one of the league’s worst defenses last year, and it’s certain to go worse if they don’t make changes. The Boston College product has established himself as one of the game’s top safeties, and it will not be long before he finds a new home.
It’s still remarkable that he hasn’t found a team, given his level of output and storied history. He remains a reliable player, but the Broncos had no choice but to release him. It’s still unclear why he hasn’t been chosen yet, which is intriguing to ponder.
New Orleans Saints Could Sign Four-Time All-Pro Safety Mathieu reacts to Justin Simmons’ release.
Despite knowing the rationale for the release, the revelation continues to shock many talking heads around the league. Anytime a surprising release occurs, many people are likely to express their opinions, particularly on X, as Mathieu did. The New Orleans great playmaker selected his words carefully when expressing himself in a tirade.
“I want to go on a rant because my favorite safety got released but he’s a pro’s pro and one of the best in the game,” he was quoted as saying. “He’ll fall on his feet. He should not have to wait to get compensated. He excels both on and off the field. What more could you do? Some teams are becoming used to underpaying athletes. Keep it real! “He earned it!”
Mathieu was entering the final year of a three-year, $28.3 million contract. However, they are working on a restructuring agreement to prevent a $10 million dead cap impact. It appeared that Simmons would find a place to live. His combination with Mathieu would provide the Saints with a formidable defense.
Other Potential Fits for Him
The Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills appear to be Simmons’ top three alternatives. He’s reaching a point in his career where he could be ring-chasing. Simmons replacing L’Jarius Sneed, who left for the Titans, would make the Chiefs appear as if they had not lost their superstar in the first place. The Ravens lost quality in the secondary, notably seventh-round pick Geno Stone.
Simmons and Marlon Humphrey teamed up in the secondary, and Baltimore might become a Super Bowl contender. The Bills recently signed Mike Edwards, but he is not comparable to Jordan Poyer or Tre’Davious White in their secondary. Adding someone like Simmons may make their defense great again.
