All-Pro Simmons Signs One-Year Deal in Atlanta

Atlanta has been making headlines this year primarily for their moves to bolster their offense. Acquisitions like Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix III have sent shockwaves through the NFL. However, the Falcons are also making a statement on defense, most recently by trading for outside linebacker Matt Judon. Now, Atlanta has further strengthened their defense by signing safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million deal.

Simmons has been one of the NFL's top safeties for the past half-decade. Since being drafted in 2016 by the Broncos, he has built a reputation as an elite player, with accolades to match. From 2019 onward, Simmons has been selected to four All-Pro second teams and two Pro Bowls. Entering his ninth season, Simmons still has plenty left in the tank, making it surprising that it took this long for him to land with a team.

A true leader and a valuable veteran presence, Simmons brings physicality and a knack for creating turnovers. He has consistently been one of the leading tacklers on his team and has a unique ability to find the football. In 2022, he led the NFL in interceptions with six—a career high—while also forcing three fumbles. Just last year, Simmons had his third straight All-Pro campaign, recording three more interceptions and two forced fumbles. His ability to generate takeaways has been a hallmark of his career, making it baffling that he remained unsigned for so long.

Last season, Atlanta ranked 29th in turnover differential with a -12 margin. With numbers like that, it's difficult to have a successful season when you're constantly at a self-inflicted disadvantage. The addition of Simmons should help swing that differential in the Falcons' favor. With only a few weeks until Week 1, it will be interesting to see how quickly Simmons can adjust to his new team. A talented player with plenty left to offer, we'll soon see what he can do in his first time wearing new threads.