Safety Justin Simmons, one of the best players available on the free agent market, would be an excellent choice for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Indianapolis Colts need help at safety. Justin Simmons, one of the NFL’s top performers at the position, is now a free agent. With that stated, a Simmons-to-Indy scenario makes a lot of sense.
Surprisingly, Simmons remains available. After being released by the Denver Broncos in March, you would expect him to have signed with another team by now. But, obviously, it has not occurred yet. Justin Simmons is a very good Pro Bowler who might immediately improve the Colts’ secondary.
Indianapolis Colts Need to Land Free Agent Safety Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons’ Football Career
Justin Simmons, who attended Boston College, was taken by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He went on to enjoy a remarkable eight-year career in Denver. Simmons received two Pro Bowl invitations and was selected a four-time Associated Press second-team All-Pro. In addition, he was named to the NFL Top 100 three times. In addition, he received three nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.
Justin Simmons made numerous standout plays during his time with the Broncos. He recorded game-winning interceptions against the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2017, the Miami Dolphins in 2020, and the Washington Commanders in 2021. Perhaps his most notable play was in 2016, when he blocked an extra point against the New Orleans Saints. Fellow safety Will Parks eventually returned it, and Denver won the game.
Simmons is the league’s only player to have at least three interceptions in each of the last six seasons. He tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2022.
Simmons’ 2023 season was a Pro Bowl campaign. The Florida native recorded 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and one sack.
Why Indianapolis Should Sign Him
The Colts selected two designated safeties (Jaylon Carlies and Jaylin Simpson) in the fifth round of this year’s draft. However, both players are transitioning to other positions. Carlies will play linebacker, with Simpson switching to cornerback. As a result, the Colts did not address the safety position during the draft.
However, this offseason, Indianapolis re-signed Julian Blackmon. While he is guaranteed to start at strong safety, the free safety position is up for grabs. Daniel Scott, who was vying for a starting berth, sustained a season-ending injury this spring for the second straight year.
Simmons would be ideal for the job. Despite being 30 years old, he has shown no signs of slowing down. He and Blackmon might provide a formidable one-two punch this season. Simmons could also tutor Indianapolis’ young safeties, such as 22-year-old Nick Cross.
After signing all nine draft picks, the Colts now have approximately $25 million in cap room. This means they have enough money to sign Simmons, whose projected salary is around $11 million.
It’s uncertain whether Colts general manager Chris Ballard will sign a veteran safety this offseason or stick with young players like Cross and Rodney Thomas II. But if he decides to go that path, Justin Simmons must be the guy.
