With the 2024 NFL Draft officially in our rearview mirror, the veteran free agency market is expected to pick back up. The Miami Dolphins recently made a splash by signing wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The best remaining player is arguably former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons.
The Broncos released Simmons in a cap-clearing move earlier this offseason. The aging Simmons is still an effective defender. He totaled 70 tackles, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions throughout the 2023 season.
Several defenses would benefit from having the ball-hawking Simmons patrol their defensive backfield. Expect interest in his services to intensify. We've identified three potential landing spots for Simmons in free agency.
DETROIT LIONS
The Lions have made sweeping changes at cornerback this offseason. They traded for Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson in free agency. General manager Brad Holmes also drafted Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. I love what the Lions did at cornerback to fix last season's 27th-ranked secondary, but more could be done at safety.
Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch project to lead all Lions safeties in defensive snaps for a second consecutive campaign. Branch is versatile enough to play all over Aaron Glenn's defensive formation, including in the box as a one-on-one cover-man against tight ends and slot receivers. Signing Simmons to play in single or two-high coverage shells would free up Branch to play a more versatile role.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans have needed a long-term replacement at safety since trading Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 season. K'Von Wallace and Terrell Edmunds combined to replace Byard in-season, but neither player was retained this summer. General manager Ran Carthon entered the offseason needing a safety, but has yet to sign one—nor did he draft one, with seventh-round pick James Williams transitioning to linebacker.
The Titans showed interest in Simmons at the beginning of free agency. Talks have cooled, but expect them to revisit Simmons' asking price as the offseason progresses. They also previously met with fellow veteran free-agent safety Marcus Maye, and Carthon recently claimed they'd continue exploring the market. Elijah Molden is currently miscast in an every-down role. The Titans are a frontrunner for Simmons.
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets remain in win-now mode with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Some of the veteran players general manager Joe Douglas has acquired this offseason include wide receiver Mike Williams, offensive tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses, and EDGE Haason Reddick. Those four players have an average age of 31. Simmons’ age won’t scare Douglas away as he adds veterans to compete for Super Bowl LIX.
As aggressive as the Jets have been this offseason, safety could still use some serious upgrading. Chuck Clark and Tony Adams currently project as the starters. The veteran Clark is recovering from last year's season-ending torn ACL injury. He faces a tall task as an aging player who suffered a serious setback. Adams is a 2022 undrafted free agent who was thrust into a starring role.
The Jets need to do considerably better at safety given their lofty aspirations. Simmons would address a massive need.
