Many are surprised that safety Justin Simmons is still a free agent after spending just one season with the Atlanta Falcons. The two-time Pro Bowler spent most of his career with the Denver Broncos, who picked him in the third round of the 2016 draft.
The 2022 interceptions co-leader recently joined analyst Kay Adams on her podcast, “Up and Adams,” where he shared that he’s interested in joining a team in the NFC East.
Justin Simmons: ‘Excited to See What Happens’ in 2025
Adams asked Simmons whether his connection to members of the Philadelphia Eagles’ coaching staff influences his decision-making. Simmons previously worked with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and defensive backs coach Christian Parker when all three were in Denver. He said it makes a difference — especially after spending last year on a one-year deal in a brand-new system.
“Yeah, it really does,” Simmons said. “Going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you’re getting out of me, and I know exactly what I am getting out of him because I’ve been in the system. I still have a way to go to mastering it. There are some things and nuances that I know that Vic likes, that I know that Christian Parker likes, and I think I could really help in that area.
“Obviously, them moving on from C.J. [Gardner-Johnson] and what he’s poured into that city, there is big shoes to fill, but I love what they have going on there. It’s interesting, I’m excited to see what happens.”
But Philly isn’t the only NFC East squad Simmons is considering. Adams mentioned that the Eagles and Washington Commanders seem like the two “sexiest options” left for him. She asked if heading to the nation’s capital was on the table.
Simmons said that while he didn’t get to work directly with Commanders head coach, Dan Quinn, during his time in Atlanta, he’s heard nothing but good things from players who have.
Is free agent safety Justin Simmons the missing piece in Washington?
"I love Jayden Daniels' game."@heykayadams |@jsimms1119 pic.twitter.com/ce0IqWeZXQ
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) April 8, 2025
“Yeah, Washington too,” Simmons said. “Bunch of players rotating through his system that I’ve known who have nothing but respect for him, one of the best coaches they’ve been around. Washington’s very, very, very intriguing too, and I love Jayden Daniels.”
Jayden Daniels will enter his second season as the Commanders’ quarterback after taking the league by storm as a rookie in 2024. He won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and helped Washington go from 4-13 in 2023 to 12-5 in 2024, making the playoffs. He even led the team to its first postseason wins since 2005, before falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles.
The Eagles might have fewer holes than the Commanders, but either team would give Simmons a real chance to make an impact in a division that’s only getting stronger.