The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to shore up their secondary after trading away a ball-hawking safety. With depth a concern, their list of potential free-agent targets has narrowed, and one name stands out above the rest.
Could this veteran be the final piece to lock in their defense?
Philadelphia Eagles and Vic Fangio Linked to Justin Simmons
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin described adding Justin Simmons as a perfect match: “This is the fit that makes all the sense in the world, hence Simmons publicly and repeatedly identifying the Eagles as a preferred destination,” Benjamin wrote, noting that Simmons has publicly expressed interest in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia lost C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans and now seeks coverage help. Simmons excelled under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio at the Denver Broncos, earning two Pro Bowls and four All-Pro selections during that tenure.
Atlanta is going to be a no fly zone with new addition Justin Simmons 🔒
pic.twitter.com/ylSsSJtMeK— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 15, 2024
Benjamin called it a nearly ideal pairing, adding Simmons himself ranked Philly highly due to Fangio’s influence and the team’s Super Bowl defense in 2024.
Why Simmons Fits the Eagles’ Roster, Cap Space, and Championship Window
Simmons joined the Atlanta Falcons for one year in 2024, producing 62 tackles, seven passes defended, and two interceptions over 16 starts. His Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade dipped to 59.9, outside the top 100 safeties, but his feel in coverage and ball-hawking instincts remain intact.
He signed a fully guaranteed one-year, $7.5 million deal with Atlanta in 2024. Sources suggest that his next contract will likely be another one-year deal in the $5-7 million range, ideal for someone chasing another Super Bowl appearance.
Justin Simmons in coverage this season:
🔴 101 coverage snaps
⚫️ 16 yards allowed
🔴 1 interception
⚫️ 1 forced incompletion
🔴 6.3 passer rating allowed pic.twitter.com/ZsZdpVEH2n— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) September 25, 2024
Philadelphia needs an immediate starter at safety. With Gardner-Johnson gone and rookies Andrew Mukuba and Mac McWilliams still developing off the field, Simmons offers a veteran presence and game-day readiness.
NFL Media analyst Brian Baldinger chimed in, “Just find him a house in South Jersey. He is going to be here,” reflecting league confidence that a signing is imminent.
If Simmons joins the Eagles, they would enter camp with one of the NFL’s most experienced secondaries. In a season where defenses must adjust quickly to high-powered passing offenses, a polished safety can be the difference in tight playoff matchups.
All signs point to one clear offseason strategy: retooling rather than rebuilding. By adding a defender who is already familiar with Fangio’s system and capable of filling a key positional vacancy, Philadelphia’s Super Bowl defense seems positioned to remain elite, assuming they finalize the move.