After spending the 2025 regular season away, former Denver Bronco and Atlanta Falcon safety standout Justin Simmons is open to returning to the field this upcoming campaign. On Simmons’ new podcast, he expressed his desire to play again, but with a contender that is ready to win a Super Bowl. The safety is limiting his options on where he wants to go, but at age 32, it’s understandable why he’s choosing this path. Selected as a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the former Boston College product led the league in picks during the 2022 campaign with the Broncos.
After spending eight seasons with the Broncos, the team released the safety due to salary cap. Despite that, Simmons racked up 70 combined tackles (53 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, one sack, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 15 games and 15 starts in his last season in Denver. Simmons joined the Falcons towards the end of training camp in 2024, hauling in 62 combined tackles (36 solo), seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.
It wasn’t the greatest numbers in his latest stint, but after spending one lone season in Atlanta, the Falcons decided to get younger at the position.
"I am still a free agent."
Former @Broncos safety @jsimms1119 on playing for the @AtlantaFalcons in 2024 & sitting out the 2025 season – with Louie Romero on the premiere episode of 'The Weekly Cut' ✂️
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Justin Simmons Open to Return for Contender, 4 Suitors Emerge
Now, the safety is one of the better unsigned free agents in the league. Even though he missed a season of playing time, there’s no doubt that he could return to his old self. Similar to the journey of WR Free Agent Odell Beckham Jr., Simmons should be able to find a home if a contender calls. However, a deal won’t come through until at least by the time the 2026 NFL Draft is over.
Here are four teams that could give Simmons one last run for a championship.
Top Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
After losing several free agents, including Bryan Cook, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the Kansas City Chiefs must rebuild their secondary in this year’s draft. While they’ve been able to sign high-stakes free agent Alohi Gilman to fill the hole that Cook left, the team could use more depth. The Chiefs are likely to target a cornerback, but Simmons is a versatile veteran who can wear multiple hats.
It doesn’t mean Simmons will be the new cornerback, but behind Cook and Chamarri Conner, Simmons could find his calling in a situational role to get this team back into the postseason mix.
Washington Commanders
Even though the Commanders don’t necessarily need another safety, they could always use the veteran presence. Given that Simmons is a Manassas, Virginia, native, the safety playing for his hometown team remains an option. The safety won’t get the start ahead of new free agent signee Nick Cross or Quan Martin, but Simmons’ veteran mindset could be useful to help the young standouts.
Baltimore Ravens
The same can be said about the Ravens. While they have standout Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks, who is emerging as a talent, the team needs a high-caliber veteran. Simmons won’t get starting reps, but he could be useful to build a three-safety defensive package to win against the opposing receivers.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are another contender for Simmons if there is interest. Los Angeles has three solid safeties between Derwin James, Elijah Molden and Tony Jefferson. While Jefferson provides a veteran insurance policy, Simmons could serve in the same light. The Chargers would have two young starting safeties while getting to lean on Jefferson and Simmons for experience, which would be an excellent decision for this team’s secondary.