The New Orleans Saints may not add any more notable free agent talent. If they choose to do so, though, safety Justin Simmons seems like a smart target as the top player at his position remaining. They met with him on Wednesday.
New Orleans could use another starter at safety, or even depth at the position, heading into the 2024 season. Simmons fills that hole and creates an elite safety tandem alongside Tyrann Mathieu.
Simmons was released by the Denver Broncos in March, but he remains arguably a top ten safety in football.
Somehow, Simmons remains unsigned halfway through July. That could be due to a holdout for a larger contract, or Simmons may simply be trying to find his best fit on a new team. Both are potential options.
Simmons spoke to the media at a charity golf event earlier in the offseason. The veteran said that he’s “playing the long game” when it comes to finding a new team. He does not seem to be in a rush, but time is winding down before the regular season.
Justin Simmons believes he could be missing piece for his new team
“I’ve always said from the jump that I want to play for a contender, and I feel like I can be the missing piece for a lot of teams to get them over the hump.”
-- Simmons
Simmons is thirty years old. The safety has been named a second-team All-Pro four times in his pro career. He also noted that he is still learning new ways to navigate this situation.
"I think complacency can be a thing when you just get caught up in a routine of doing the same things over and over and over, finding the little increments of growth. But for me now, everything’s new. I’m having to ask questions, take accountability, learn from people who have been in it before — whether they’re three years in, 10 years in, just getting some insight, getting some wisdom."
“I think it’s going to help me grow tremendously. I think it’s helped slow me down. … It’s helped me be more present with my family when I haven’t had the chance due to OTAs and ramping up for camp."
-- Simmons
Simmons is not overly worried about rushing to find a new team, but recent talks with the Indianapolis Colts and Saints have surfaced.
Saints coach Dennis Allen even noted that the discussions with Simmons have been going on for months. Recently, they've picked up more steam, though.
We will see if the Saints get him on board in New Orleans . He wants to play for a contender. The Saints would need to have proven to him that they are one for this year.
Related: The Saints already have a couple of advantages over other NFL teams trying to sign star safety Justin Simmons
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