Justin Simmons, a two-time All-Pro safety, remains a free agent, which is surprising. In less than a month, NFL training camps will begin, and the veteran is still available after being released by the Denver Broncos this spring.
Simmons, 30, was a third-round pick by the Broncos out of Boston College back in 2016. He has since developed into one of the top safeties in the NFL.
The outstanding defensive back is coming off his second Pro Bowl season, during which he defended eight passes and intercepted three. Simmons had an NFL-high six interceptions in 2022. Simmons has not produced a QB rating of more than 89 when targeted in each of the previous three seasons.
One of the concerns here is Simmons’ asking price. He still wants to be one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. Few teams have the cap space this late in the offseason to add a contract of that nature. However, Simmons is being connected to a contending team.
NFL insider connects Justin Simmons to the San Francisco 49ers.
“I love the idea of Justin Simmons in either the Vic Fangio-style defence he’s played in for the Broncos since 2019, or in a Seattle Seahawks-type defence,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said. “That’s why I’d really love to see him as the centre fielder in the Niners’ defense—which has historically played the Seattle three scheme, and also just brought aboard Brandon Staley (whom Simmons knows well) from the Fangio tree.”
Despite winning the NFC this past season, San Francisco dismissed defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. The organization replaced him internally with Nick Sorensen and hired former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as a key assistant. Obviously, the 49ers’ defence complements what Simmons does well.
As for a potential necessity, All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga ruptured his ACL 10 games into the season. The 49ers are also bullish on sophomore safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who showed promise as a rookie.
Justin Simmons statistics include 604 tackles, 64 passes defended, and 30 interceptions.
Obviously, adding Simmons to the mix would boost the 49ers’ Super Bowl chances. They have an estimated $30 million in cap room. So adding Simmons wouldn’t be a big thing from that standpoint.
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