First they got Matthew Judon, now the Atlanta Falcons add another defender.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing free agent safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, Eight million dollar deal, his agency, Athletes First, told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Simmons’ deal includes seven and a half million fully guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The former Denver Bronco provides a boost to a Falcons secondary that features fellow star safety Jessie Bates. Simmons, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive back, provides some added depth with DeMarcco Hellams expected to miss significant time due to an ankle injury. Hellams was competing with Richie Grant to start at the other safety position opposite of Bates this season.
The Falcons hosted Simmons on a visit earlier last week. Simmons would later have dinner with A.J. Terrell and Grady Jarrett, sources recently told KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.
In a really surprising move, Simmons was released in March by the Denver Broncos. The former Bronco is coming off a productive 2023 season in which he recorded 70 tackles, eight pass deflections, and three interceptions while playing in 15 games.
The former Boston College product has tallied 30 interceptions since entering the league in 2016.
Atlanta restructured the contract of offensive guard Chris Lindstrom by converting part of his $12.5-million base salary into a signing bonus. This move would allow Atlanta to be provided with more cap space, sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
What a move this was by the Falcons. Adding Judon and Simmons looks to boost a defense that ranked 11th in total defense, 8th in pass defense, and 20th in run defense last season. This is according to Fox Sports.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler
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