Former Player Pushes Steelers to Sign Justin Simmons

The former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker wants the team to make a final splash.

Jan 1, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates after | Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are still looking for missing pieces to their defense, and despite a notable safety signing in free agency, one former player believes the team shouldn't be done just yet.

Former linebacker Arthur Moats is urging the Steelers to sign former Denver Broncos All-Pro Justin Simmons, making a case that the team has more resources to spend and holes to fill.

"We didn’t pay DeShon Elliott anything where you feel like you can’t bring a guy in," Moats said on his podcast the Arthur Moats Experience. “And it’s Justin Simmons. Justin Simmons is in that conversation with Minkah Fitzpatrick and company, man. Top safeties in the league type convos, man."

Simmons, 30, has four All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowls on his resume. He was also the NFL's co-leader in interceptions two seasons ago.

Simmons' name has been tossed out by Steelers fans throughout the offseason, and could even allow Pittsburgh to fill their gap at slot cornerback with his addition. His current market value on Spotrac is $11.2 million, which is almost exactly what the team has left with $11.3 million in salary cap space.

Still, with restructures still available and a possible extension for Cam Heyward, the team could free up the money to make a move and have enough left over to sign their NFL Draft picks. Moats believes making that work is worth it, and the Steelers should at least consider it as an option.

"That would be another big ticket piece on defense, though. Couldn’t we just say just throw $10 (million) to the second safety?" Moats said.

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