Former Broncos Star Predicted to Sign With AFC West Rival
Former Broncos Star Predicted to Sign With AFC West Rival originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Denver Broncos have had some of the most star-studded secondaries over the years. Recent memory brings up names like Champ Bailey, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr., and now Pat Surtain II. You can add Justin Simmons, the former four-time All-Pro, to that list.
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Simmons, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, is now 31 years old and a free agent. According to Cody Benjamin at CBS Sports, Simmons could be headed to one of the Broncos' division rivals.
"Linked to big-name cover men... the [Las Vegas] Raiders could just as easily use a savvy starter on the back end under the defensively minded Pete Carroll," Benjamin said.
If Simmons were to sign with the Raiders, or either of the Broncos' other two AFC West rivals, it would set up two potential revenge games for the safety who was cut by Denver last offseason.
Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates after making an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn ImagesDenny Medley-Imagn Images
Outside of a need for secondary help, there are two big reasons why Benjamin named the Raiders as one of Simmons' top possible landing spots: money and a familiar face.
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"Besides possessing plenty of 2025 salary cap space to add help, the Raiders also employ pass game coordinator Joe Woods, who served as Simmons' first defensive backs coach in Denver," Benjamin said.
Simmons led the league in 2022 in interceptions, and is too experienced and too talented not to sign with a team this offseason. Although his production has slowed down with age, he offers starting-caliber play and at the very least quality depth.
It may take until training camp or preseason, where teams really begin to find out their needs, for Simmons to sign with a new team. Injuries could also play a role in when and where the free agent goes.
Related: Broncos Predicted to Topple Chiefs For AFC West Title
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
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