Justin Simmons was once regarded as one of the premier safeties in the NFL. However, after a disappointing stint with the Atlanta Falcons, he has revealed what he’s looking for in his next team—and took the opportunity to throw a subtle jab at his former club.
The free-agent market still includes a big name in Justin Simmons. The veteran safety joined the Falcons last year after being surprisingly released by the Denver Broncos. However, his time in Atlanta didn’t go as expected.
Simmons struggled to re-establish himself as a top-tier defensive force. Now, he’s a free agent once again, hoping to prove he still has what it takes to anchor a secondary.
Justin Simmons reveals what he wants in his next NFL team
During his time with the Broncos, Simmons was widely considered one of the most feared safeties in the league. His presence helped elevate Denver’s defense to elite status, and many believed he was destined for a long-term extension.
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However, things took an unexpected turn. Last offseason, Denver released him in a move that shocked many around the NFL. Some reports hinted that locker room concerns may have played a role in the decision.
Simmons later signed a one-year, $7.5 million deal with the Falcons. Despite initial expectations that several teams would pursue him, interest around the league was reportedly lukewarm.
Statistically, Simmons had one of his least productive seasons. While he played 91.4% of defensive snaps, he recorded just 36 solo tackles, 62 total tackles, and two interceptions—his lowest numbers since his rookie year in 2016.
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After a disappointing campaign, Atlanta opted not to re-sign him. Now on the open market once again, Simmons has stated the one key factor he’s looking for in his next destination—something the Falcons, he subtly hinted, didn’t offer: a winning culture.
“In terms of where I’m at now, being a little bit more picky where we want to go and where we want to call home next,” Simmons said, via The Denver Post. “The next two years, a year, whatever it is . . . but a contender is No. 1 on the list right now.”
