Report: Falcons Sign Former Broncos S Justin Simmons

The Pro Bowl defender inked a one-year deal with Atlanta.

Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports | Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Simmons is returning to Denver. In November. And he'll be wearing another team's colors.

On Thursday, the Pro Bowl safety signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons, who will face Simmons' former team — the Broncos — in Week 11 of the 2024 regular season. The deal was confirmed to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The #Falcons aren’t done working on the D: Two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons is signing with Atlanta on a one-year, $8 million deal, per @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/QHWm708SZB

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 15, 2024

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Entering his age-31 campaign, the Broncos cut Simmons — an annual team captain and a four-time All-Pro selection — this spring following 108 starts and the most interceptions (30) of any defensive back since 2016, when he entered the NFL.

The cost-permissive move saved Denver $14.5 million against the salary cap, a chunk of which went toward paying his replacement, Brandon Jones, who inked a $20 million contract just days after Simmons' March 7 release.

Despite a decorated resume, Simmons fell victim to a volatile safety market and had no known free-agents visits until an Aug. 7 meeting with the New Orleans Saints. He then took a two-day trip to Atlanta, beginning earlier this week, where he finally put pen to paper.

Simmons is the latest splash made by a Super Bowl-or-bust Falcons squad that also added four-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker Matthew Judon via trade with the New England Patriots on Wednesday.

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