After a highly productive eight years with the Denver Broncos, veteran safety Justin Simmons found himself in a warmer climate in 2024. Simmons started 16 games for the Atlanta Falcons last season, managing two interceptions and maintaining his record of multiple picks in every season he’s played.
Still, that hasn’t been enough for a team to sign the player, with Simmons still available in free agency. According to PFSN’s Brandon Austin, there’s a team in the AFC North that should be seriously considering adding Simmons for 2025.
AFC North Team Linked With Justin Simmons
Whether it’s the AFC or the NFC, rivalries are fierce in the North, with both divisions stacked with talented rosters and Super Bowl contenders. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens made the playoffs last season, something Simmons has somehow never managed. The Broncos made their first postseason appearance since 2015 last year, in their first campaign since releasing their star safety.
The Cincinnati Bengals somehow missed the playoffs last season despite scoring the sixth-most points in the NFL. Defensive frailties cost the team a playoff spot for the second consecutive year, despite the NFL-leading sack heroics of Trey Hendrickson. Hendrickson’s future in Cincinnati is now in serious doubt, with the team seemingly unwilling to pay him market value.
Despite the Bengals’ tight financial situation, Austin believes that the team should be in the running for Simmons, having allowed Vonn Bell to walk in free agency.
“Justin Simmons named Cincinnati as one of his preferred free agency destinations in an appearance on ‘Up & Adams with Kay Adams’ earlier in the offseason. Much like last offseason, Simmons has flown under the radar again, but he still offers proven playmaking ability.
“He recorded two interceptions with Atlanta in 2024, giving him multiple picks in every season of his nine-year NFL career. His 32 career interceptions lead all players since 2016. Simmons might be past his prime, but the veteran could address the Bengals’ need for depth and playmaking ability in the secondary.”
What Would Simmons Bring to Cincinnati?
Simmons is tied with Stephon Gilmore (32) for the fourth-most career interceptions among active NFL players. Like Simmons, Gilmorem, and Tashaun Gipson (third with 33) are currently free agents. Both Tyrann Mathieu (second with 36) and Harrison Smith (first with 37) remain with the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, respectively, in 2025.
Simmons has started at least 15 games in six of the last seven seasons and proved to be as dependable as ever for the Falcons last season. The two-time Pro Bowler would provide immense playmaking ability and a veteran presence to an otherwise youthful Bengals secondary.
Simmons’ ball-hawking prowess would be far more effective on the Bengals if the team could keep hold of Hendrickson on the defensive line. The Bengals also added edge rusher Shemar Stewart and linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in the draft, giving them a great opportunity to turn things around quickly on defense.