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NFL Rumors: Justin Simmons, Falcons Agree to $8M Contract After Matthew Judon Trade

Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVAugust 15, 2024

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 31: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 31, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

Perry Knotts/Getty Images

The Atlanta Falcons added one of the league’s most consistent safeties to their secondary

Atlanta and Justin Simmons agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Jordan Schultz @Schultz_Report

Sources say dinner Monday night with HC Raheem Morris, as well as All-Pro’s Jessie Bates, Grady Jarrett and AJ Terrell, helped seal the deal with the #Falcons.

Now they land Justin Simmons, whose 30 INTs since his rookie year are tops in the NFL. https://t.co/A5fmJFInBJ

The Simmons deal comes one day after the Falcons acquired star pass-rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots.

That Simmons was even available was notable, as he has spent his entire career with the Denver Broncos since they selected him with a third-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft. However, they announced they released him on March 7 in a move ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted saved $14.5 million against the salary cap.

Denver issued a statement explaining how much he meant to the organization when it released him:

“Justin Simmons’ impact as a Denver Bronco extends far beyond his exceptional play during eight seasons with our organization. In addition to growing into an All-Pro and team captain, Justin became our perennial Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year devoted to uplifting others and using his influence for positive change. Whether it was in Denver or his hometown of Stuart, Florida, Justin inspired and mentored countless youth while providing unwavering support to the community. The hundreds of hours he spent at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club will be as much a part of Justin’s legacy with the Broncos as his leadership, dependability and many interceptions.

“Justin will always be a Bronco, and we thank him for the outstanding manner in which he represented our organization on and off the field. We wish Justin, his wife Taryn, and their children Laney, Shae and Kyler the very best in the future.”

The statement underscores the type of player and leader the Falcons are getting with this move.

NFL @NFL

Justin Simmons picks it off in the end zone! His 6th interception of the season 😤 @jsimms1119

📺: #DENvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/68aUroVlUj pic.twitter.com/vaAy5L2YS3

Simmons is a two-time Pro Bowler who was named to the All-Pro Second Team in four of the last five seasons. One of those seasons was the 2023 one when he posted 70 tackles, eight passes defended, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one sack.

It was an impressive follow-up effort after he led the NFL with six interceptions during the 2022 campaign.

The veteran safety has always been someone who can play support against the run, dish out a hit to break up a pass in the middle of the field or create turnovers as a ballhawk. He has three seasons with more than 90 tackles and was still productive in his age-30 season in 2023.

The one thing missing from his resume is playoff experience, as the Broncos failed to make the postseason at any point during his eight seasons with the team.

He will look to change that as a defensive leader for the Falcons in 2024.

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