Justin Simmons
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Justin Simmons #31 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates his interception against the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth quarter of their game at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 15-9. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals have been busy shoring up their roster before Week 1. After landing tight end Noah Fant and guard Dalton Risner, the focus might now shift to the secondary.
Safety remains one of the thinner spots on the roster, and there’s one name still out there who makes a lot of sense: Justin Simmons.
The 31-year-old veteran is the top safety still on the market.
A Roster Hole That Stands Out
Even after upgrading the offensive line and adding Fant to give Joe Burrow another reliable target, safety remains a concern. The Bengals have bodies, but they lack a proven top-tier option.
That’s why Simmons feels like such a clean fit. He’d need time to settle into Lou Anarumo’s defense, but his instincts and experience could allow him to contribute quickly.
And let’s be real — at this stage of the offseason, a guy with Simmons’ résumé being unsigned is rare. If Cincinnati wants to keep pace in an AFC loaded with elite quarterbacks, having a veteran presence at safety could be the difference in a few tight games.
What’s interesting is Simmons doesn’t sound bitter about how things ended with Denver, even though the Broncos cut him right before finally snapping their playoff drought.
“I mean, I can’t speak for Sean (Payton),” the former Broncos safety said of Denver’s third-year coach in July, per Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. “I have no bad blood with Sean, with anyone in the building. I loved my time there. I will always consider him a friend and a great coach …
“I loved Sean. I love the Walton-Penner group and what they have going on. Business decisions happen. And sometimes there are casualties, where both player and fans wish there wasn’t and (there) just is. And both sides could be better from it — and you see they had a successful year. And I’m so happy for them.”
That’s where the Bengals come in. They’ve missed the playoffs the past two years, but with Burrow healthy and weapons like Ja’Marr Chase in place, they’re built to win now. Adding Simmons wouldn’t just be a luxury signing — it would be filling a legitimate hole with a player who checks the “ready to compete” box.
The Waiting Game
The question is whether the Bengals are willing to spend. Simmons probably isn’t looking for a long-term deal, but even a one-year pact would eat into cap space the team may want to keep flexible.
Still, the timing lines up. The Bengals addressed offense with Fant and Risner, and they’ve added pieces in the secondary before that gave the defense an edge in big spots. If they’re serious about tightening things up before September, Simmons is the most obvious move left.
Cincinnati has quietly patched multiple roster holes this offseason, but safety remains a weak point. Simmons isn’t the same player he was in his prime, but he’s still an upgrade — and he wants exactly what the Bengals claim to be chasing.
The ball’s in the team’s court. Simmons is waiting.