Top free agent believes he can be the missing piece for the Saints in 2024

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.

New Orleans could use another starter at safety, or even depth at the position, heading into the 2024 season.

Simmons was released by the Denver Broncos in March, but he remains arguably a top ten safety in football.

Somehow, he 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.

Simmons spoke to the media at a charity golf event last week. 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.

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

Clearly, Simmons is not worried about finding a new team.

We will see if the Saints smartly try to get him on board in New Orleans. He wants to play for a contender. The Saints would need to prove to him that they are one for this year.

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