The New Orleans Saints have been recognized as the best landing spot for free agent safety Justin Simmons, one of the NFL’s premier players at his position. Simmons, who is coming off his third consecutive All-Pro selection in 2023, finds himself without a team one month before the start of training camp.
Simmons’ Impressive Track Record
Former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons has made a name for himself as one of the league’s top safeties. Over his career, he has amassed accolades highlighting his elite status, including four All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl appearances. Despite missing five games due to injury in 2022, Simmons led the NFL with six interceptions, showcasing his ability to be a game-changer on the field. Furthermore, his durability was evident as he started 65 consecutive games from 2018 to 2021.
Financial Realities and the Saints’ Cap Space
Simmons’ release from the Broncos was purely a financial decision to clear $14.5 million in salary cap space. This move was part of the Broncos’ efforts to manage the aftermath of the disastrous Russell Wilson contract, which left them with an NFL record $85 million in dead money over the next two seasons. On the other hand, the Saints have made recent moves that improved their cap space, moving from 31st to 22nd in effective cap space. This financial flexibility puts them in a prime position to pursue Simmons.
The Saints’ Current Safety Situation
The current starting free safety for the Saints is Jordan Howden, a 2023 fifth-round pick who started in the second half of his rookie season. Howden allowed 11.3 yards per target, according to FTN Data charting, indicating room for improvement. Adding a player of Simmons’ caliber would significantly bolster the Saints’ secondary and provide a proven playmaker to lead their defense.
The Fit: Why Simmons and the Saints Make Sense
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz has identified the Saints as the perfect fit for Simmons. The Saints’ defensive scheme and Simmons’ skill set align well, making it a mutually beneficial partnership. Simmons’ ability to create turnovers and his leadership on the field would be invaluable assets for the Saints as they look to solidify their defense and contend for the NFC South title.
The Financial Considerations
While the Saints may have added more cap space recently, the pursuit of Simmons will ultimately come down to price. The contract negotiations must address both sides’ expectations regarding the length and guaranteed money. The Saints must weigh the financial commitment against their long-term cap strategy and roster needs.
Strategic Implications
If the Saints add Simmons, it could signal a departure from their recent bargain-basement approach to adding potential impact players. Historically, the Saints have been known for finding value in free agency, signing players who can contribute without breaking the bank. However, the signing of Simmons would represent their biggest offseason transaction since signing pass rusher Chase Young in March.
Balancing Rebuild and Contention
The Saints’ recent moves have indicated a slight rebuild, even though they view themselves as contenders to win the NFC South in 2024. Adding Simmons would be a statement of intent, demonstrating that the team is serious about competing at a high level. It would also provide a significant upgrade at a critical position, potentially elevating the defense to new heights.
Simmons’ Desire to Win
For Simmons, the desire to win is paramount. He expressed this sentiment to ESPN shortly before his release from the Broncos: “I just want to win. That’s my frame of mind; I just want to win, I want to help us do that, I want to see us do that, and that’s what I think about every day when I get up to come here.” His commitment to winning aligns with the Saints’ goals, compelling the partnership.
The potential addition of Justin Simmons to the New Orleans Saints would be a game-changer for the team. It would provide a significant upgrade at the safety position, bring a proven leader to the defense, and signal the Saints’ intent to compete at the highest level. While the financial aspects will need careful consideration, the fit between Simmons and the Saints is undeniable. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Saints make a move that could define their season and set them on a path to success in 2024.
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