Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons
Potential Landing Spots for Former Broncos' Standout Safety Justin Simmons originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Former Denver Broncos standout safety Justin Simmons remains one of the surprising free agents unsigned. However, it's not the first time Simmons has waited deep into the offseason to sign a deal.
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After spending the first eight years of his career in Denver, Simmons signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. But the safety didn't sign until mid-August.
Simmons, though currently unsigned, should have plenty of interest around the league. The veteran safety established a great career in Denver, averaging 75.5 tackles, 3.75 interceptions, and eight passes defended over his eight seasons. Simmons earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2023.
In 2024 with the Falcons, Simmons collected 62 tackles, seven passes defended, and a pair of interceptions.
Simmons' head coach in Denver from 2019 to 2021 was Vic Fangio. Here are some potential landing spots with a connection to Fangio that could fit well for the standout safety in 2025.
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The Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator is Ejiro Evero, who spent time with Fangio in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014, and took over as the Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2022 after Fangio's departure.
Evero uses similar defensive schemes as Simmons' former head coach, and the safety could slide in next to Tre'von Moehrig, whom the Panthers signed in free agency.
The San Francisco 49ers present another interesting landing spot, with Robert Saleh back as the defensive coordinator. Saleh was the Texans' defensive intern in 2005 while Fangio was the defensive coordinator.
Saleh got his first coordinating opportunity in San Francisco in 2017 and turned the 49ers' defense into one of the best in the league. After a rough go as head coach with the New York Jets, Saleh is back to where he found his most success.
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (31) on the field during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
After letting Talanoa Hufanga go in the offseason, the addition of Simmons seems like a slam dunk for the 49ers' secondary.
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However, the Philadelphia Eagles may be the most obvious landing spot for Simmons - a direct reunion with his former head coach. With Vangio in his second year as the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, Simmons could be the perfect piece to slide in.
The Eagles are reigning Super Bowl champions, and their defense was a large reason why. Simmons would bolster that defense and already knows the coach's system.
Lastly, the Las Vegas Raiders could be an option. Las Vegas hired Joe Woods this offseason to be their pass game coordinator and defensive backs' coach. Woods coached Simmons in Denver for the first three years of his career.
Simmons is familiar with Woods, and the addition would add a proven veteran to Las Vegas' secondary.
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Based on when he signed in 2024, Simmons still has plenty of time, but with training camp beginning in July, we could he a move made soon.
Related: Broncos' Bo Nix to Host Teammates for Summer Sessions
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
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