NFL interception king Justin Simmons is still available in free agency. Simmons, 31, a nine-year veteran played his 2024 season with the Atlanta Falcons. He has the most interceptions in the NFL since 2016 when he was a third-round pick of the Denver Broncos. Simmons likely won’t be signed until after the compensatory picks qualification deadline passes on April 29. Last year, the safety signed with Atlanta on August 18. He would like to sign earlier this offseason to build chemistry with his teammates in the locker room.
“I think, yes, there’s pros and cons to training camp,” Simmons said recently. “Cons is going through it, your body breaking down, the whole nine, especially as you get older. But a lot of the pros is building that rapport, especially when you’re not with the team and you haven’t necessarily played with a lot of those guys.” Where will he end up signing?
Simmons Wants To Join Contender
Justin Simmons has never made the playoffs in his NFL career. He is putting a premium on joining a contender this offseason. Could a reunion with a former Broncos head coach in Philadelphia make sense? Simmons made these comments recently:
“Going to Philly with Vic, you know exactly what you’re getting out of me and I know exactly what I’m getting out of them because I’ve been in the system. I still have a ways to go to mastering it, but there are some things and nuances that I know Vic likes, that I know that [secondary coach] Christian Parker likes, and I think I could really help in that area.
“Obviously, them moving on from C.J. and what he’s poured into that city there is big shoes to fill, but I love what they have going with [safety Reed] Blankenship and the rest of the supporting cast there. So I don’t know, it’s interesting. I’m excited to see what happens.”
Would Rather Beat the Chiefs Than Join Them
As a Bronco for 8 seasons, the 6-foot-2 safety would relish beating division rival and three-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. Simmons is realistic about the Chiefs coming calling, however.
“Am I shutting that door? Am I closing it? No, but I want to be the team that beats them. I’m not closing that door. I’m not that incompetent to think if Kansas City wanted me to come through, I wouldn’t, but I just want to beat them, man.”
Final Thoughts
There aren’t many playoff teams that could turn down the Boston College products’ services. Teams are waiting to see how their rosters look after the 2025 NFL Draft. The Los Angeles Chargers could be an intriguing fit. LA went to the playoffs last season, and Simmons would get two chances to beat the Chiefs next season.
