NFL Free Agency: Commanders Among 'Best Fits' For All-Pro DB Justin Simmons
The Washington Commanders have taken massive strides toward turning over one of the worst defenses in football with a bevy of short-term deals, but could they add one more piece to cap off a busy free agency?
Bleacher Report broke down the best fits for free agents that are still available, and they listed the Commanders as a top destination for former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons. Washington was also listed as a best fit for former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Justin Simmons vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
© Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
"During his eight-season run in Denver, Simmons was a consistent force on the back end of the defense," Bleacher Report writes. "He landed second-team AP All-Pro honors in four of the last five seasons. In what's become a saturated market at safety, Simmons might become a bargain. The Tennessee Titans and Washington Commanders have enough cap space to dole out a more expensive deal, and the latter just lost Kamren Curl to the Los Angeles Rams."
Along with the Commanders and Titans, Bleacher Report also listed the Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts as fits for Simmons.
Simmons, 30, has been one of the best and most consistent safeties in football since entering the league in 2015. He has never had less than two interceptions in his eight seasons as a pro and has at least three in his last six. Simmons is also just one season removed from being tied for the league lead in interceptions with six in 2022, which was a career-high. He has also made the second-team All-Pro four times, all of which have come in the last five seasons.
The need at safety is still there for Washington, especially after Kam Curl signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Quan Martin could fill the void, but he's more of a versatile chess piece who can play all over the defense and showed promise in that role after he had two interceptions in his rookie season in 2023.
After Washington ranked last in points and passing yards, nothing should be off the table with improving the defense. Simmons has also proven he's still playing at a high level and would be an immediate upgrade for the Commanders. Washington also has the cap space to pay Simmons more than any other team in the league, should that be the deciding factor in him picking his next team.
Even if it's just a one-year deal, signing Simmons should be on the table for Washington not just for his play, but his leadership as well. And if the Commanders were to sign Simmons and he plays how he did in his previous eight seasons with the Broncos, he could be the difference-maker head coach Dan Quinn needs for his defense.
