In a revealing interview on “Up & Adams” with Kay Adams, free agent safety Justin Simmons sparked buzz across the NFL by saying he’s not ruling out a return to the Atlanta Falcons in 2025.
The All-Pro defender, who joined Atlanta on a one-year deal after being released by the Denver Broncos, opened up about his time with the Falcons and what might be next.
Justin Simmons Loves Atlanta, but Can Falcons Afford Him?
Simmons came to Atlanta under unique circumstances, signing late in the preseason to replace injured rookie DeMarcco Hellams. Even though he joined midstream, he quickly became a key piece of the Falcons’ defense.
Justin Simmons isn't closing the door on a Falcons return, just yet…👀@heykayadams | @jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/py5z7iPwSK
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
During the interview, Simmons reflected on the transition, saying, “Man, I love it in Atlanta. The locker room is unique, and there’s great leadership here. This place is in really good hands.”
Still, he acknowledged the financial side of the NFL. “There’s a lot to take away from this season,” he said. “But I understand that this is a business, and sometimes, decisions are made that are out of your control.” His words showed appreciation for his time in Atlanta and a clear understanding of the uncertainties ahead.
The Falcons currently have about $11.3 million in cap space, but roughly $7.8 million is already set aside for their five draft picks, leaving less than $4 million available. Simmons’ 2024 contract was worth $7.5 million, and his current market value is estimated at $5.8 million. With Jessie Bates III set to earn $22 million in 2025 and both Jordan Fuller and Hellams under contract, Atlanta would have to get creative to bring Simmons back.
Simmons Sees Promise in Falcons’ Future but Keeps Options Open
When asked directly about returning to Atlanta, Simmons didn’t close the door: “I think highly of Rah [Raheem Morris], Terry [Fontenot], and Arthur [Blank]. I think the organization is top-notch. I do think they’re gonna be great.”
He also praised the team’s younger talent. “Michael Penix is the real deal. Going up against him in practice, having a chance to compete against him. Getting a chance to work with Jessie [Bates III] was great. I think [he] has been playing lights out the last couple years.”
Simmons reflected on the one-year contract and the team’s youth movement. “It was a one-year thing. They like their younger guys. Sometimes things just don’t work out, and you go in different directions,” he said. “But, I don’t know that the door is necessarily closed, but we’ll see.”
After signing with Atlanta in August 2024, Simmons credited head coach Raheem Morris and team leaders like Grady Jarrett and Bates for fostering a winning culture. He said their energy was clear from the start. “Grady set the tone from day one,” Simmons said. “He made it clear how much getting back to winning means to this team.”
While joining late in training camp was a challenge, Simmons prioritized building chemistry with teammates. “Right now, it’s about over-communicating to make sure we’re all on the same page,” he said. “When we get to a point where everything feels seamless, that’s when I’ll know we’ve hit our stride.”
Asked again about returning to Atlanta next season, Simmons stayed open: “I’m not ruling anything out. This is a special group, and I’d love to be part of what they’re building here.”
Whether Simmons stays will likely depend on whether the Falcons can offer a competitive deal and a path toward serious contention. At 31, he’s still one of the league’s top safeties but knows that championship windows don’t stay open forever. His hunger for a Super Bowl ring may guide his decision to stay — or move on.
Regardless of what’s next, Simmons’ leadership and talent have helped set a high bar in Atlanta. As Adams put it best during their conversation, “You bring something special to this locker room — something this team has been waiting for.”