NFL Trade Rumors: 2-Time Pro Bowl Safety Justin Simmons Visiting New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints could be in the process of fortifying their defensive backfield. Head coach Denis Allen revealed during a media availability on Wednesday that the Saints are hosting free agent and two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons and that the two parties have had mutual interest since the spring.

Here’s what Dennis Allen had to say about Justin Simmons coming in for a visit today. He says conversations have been being had going back to the spring. #Saints pic.twitter.com/S9NiHc8lXp
— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) August 7, 2024

Simmons was a third-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos way back in 2016, and he started 108 games for the team over eight impressive seasons. He has 30 interceptions and 64 passes defended to his credit and was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2023. Notably, he has a remarkable five picks against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the most of any player.

They say we need to get past Kansas City to reach our first Super Bowl.

What better way to do so than adding the guy who has the most career interceptions (5) vs Mahomes than Justin Simmons⁉️ https://t.co/KfzBwHRBCB pic.twitter.com/TVzhm2I2mr
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 5, 2024

Simmons was released by the Broncos in March in order to save $14.5 million in cap space. He was in the final year of a four-year, $61 million contract signed in 2021. Though his continued availability is somewhat curious this late into the summer, Simmons has proven he can be an effective cog on quality defenses: the Broncos finished inside the top 10 for yards allowed four times in Simmons' eight seasons with the team.

Simmons could be a huge difference-maker if he comes at a bargain. The Saints finished 9-8 last season, tied for the best record in the NFC South, but lost the division crown on tiebreakers to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Given that the Saints' +75 point differential was more than 50 points better than any of their division rivals, even marginal improvements in their roster (or their luck) could be enough to separate them from the pack. If Simmons can provide an upgrade in the safety spot opposite fellow Pro Bowler Tyrann Mathieu, the Saints could easily find themselves in the playoffs come January.