The Philadelphia Eagles have proven they can win at the highest level, capturing their second Super Bowl title with a commanding performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. Handing Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid one of the most painful losses of their era, largely thanks to a stellar defensive performance.
With key defensive pieces from their title run now gone, Philadelphia faces the challenge of reloading without rebuilding. One veteran safety could be the missing piece to keep their championship window wide open.
Why Are the Eagles Targeting Justin Simmons?
The Eagles’ championship formula was built on defense, particularly their ability to neutralize Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Their success came from perfect coordination between the pass rush, secondary, and linebackers, allowing them to execute zone coverage schemes without sending extra rushers at Mahomes.
That defensive blueprint worked because Philadelphia had the right personnel in place. Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean seamlessly integrated into Vic Fangio’s system, while safeties Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner-Johnson provided veteran stability in the secondary.
However, Gardner-Johnson’s departure via trade this offseason has created a significant void in the defensive backfield. The Eagles haven’t found an adequate replacement, leaving them vulnerable at a crucial position.
This personnel gap is why USA Today thinks of Justin Simmons as the perfect solution for Philadelphia’s defensive needs. The veteran safety spent the 2024-25 season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played solidly despite being clearly past his prime. While he’s no longer an elite player, Simmons remains capable of starting at the NFL level.
Justin Simmons intercepts Mahomes in the end zone!
📺: #KCvsATL on NBC/Peacock
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/cSNbVDGTzt— NFL (@NFL) September 23, 2024
“The Eagles have a need at safety, and Simmons would give a relatively young unit the kind of veteran presence that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio would likely appreciate. Simmons still has good football left in him,” Cory Woodroof wrote.
What Would Simmons Bring to Philadelphia’s Defense?
Simmons brings proven NFL experience and a championship pedigree to Philadelphia’s secondary. He built his reputation during eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he earned four second-team All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl nods. In his final year with Atlanta, Simmons started 16 games, recorded two interceptions, and broke up seven passes.
The timing makes sense for both sides. Currently, the Eagles have rookie Andrew Mukuba projected to start at free safety. Simmons would offer Mukuba time to develop while providing the veteran presence that championship teams need. The move fits perfectly with general manager Howie Roseman’s proven approach to roster construction.
This would be another one of Howie Roseman’s signature moves. Widely regarded as the best general manager in the NFL, Roseman has a track record of building smart, healthy rosters by seizing the right opportunities to add talent at the best value.
The numbers support Philadelphia’s defensive excellence heading into the 2025-26 season. The Eagles’ defense ranks second in the PFSN Defense+ metric and led the league during their championship run by allowing just 278.4 yards per game.
With their defense already operating at an elite level and their championship window still wide open, Philadelphia has a legitimate opportunity to chase its third Super Bowl title. Adding a veteran like Simmons could be the move that keeps them at the top of the NFC mountain.
