Analyst Tags Eagles as Ideal Landing Spot for Proven FA
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As long as the Philadelphia Eagles remain on a contending timeline, they'll frequently find themselves in a position where they are tabbed as potential landing spots for some of the NFL's top free agents and trade candidates.
The 31-year-old veteran safety Justin Simmons has been another player who has frequently found himself linked to the Eagles as the 2025 offseason plays out.
While the rumors about Simmons potentially joining the Eagles have simmered down lately, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin brought the smoker back out. As the NFL analyst marked down five potential landing spots for Simmons right now, Benjamin name-dropped the Eagles.
"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 explained.
"Philly could use proven insurance at safety after dealing ball hawk C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans, and Simmons played some of his finest football under Vic Fangio, who led the Eagles' defense to a dominant Super Bowl title in 2024. It's difficult to imagine a more ideal short-term marriage."
Justin Simmons #31 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Justin Simmons #31 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Eagles' decision to move on from CJ Gardner-Johnson at the start of the offseason was a bit of a head-scratcher at the time. With two separate stints in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson's impact was clear and important. While many suggested he lost a step at the beginning of his second run with the Eagles, it didn't take long before Gardner-Johnson silenced his critics.
Philly's front office moved off of Gardner-Johnson due to salary cap reasons, according to the defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio. Gardner-Johnson denies that claim and has since been very vocal about his displeasure with the Eagles this offseason.
Maybe the Eagles' decision to part ways with Gardner-Johnson goes deeper than the financial aspect and having confidence in the current group without him. Maybe that's a signal that there's a need for a short-term addition, and Simmons just might be the guy.
Since entering the NFL as a third-round pick for the Denver Broncos in 2016, Simmons has played nine seasons, seeing the field for 134 games. Most of his career was with the Denver Broncos. Simmons signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons for the 2024 NFL season.
Last year, Simmons totaled 62 tackles in 16 games. He snatched two interceptions while deflecting seven passes. Simmons certainly didn't play his best ball in Atlanta, but maybe a spark is in store in a competitive situation in Philadelphia under Nick Sirianni and Vic Fangio.
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