Can Texans Solve Safety Concerns by Signing All-Pro Free Agent Justin Simmons?
HOUSTON –– Coach DeMeco Ryans made his intentions clear at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis; the goal entering the 2024 off-season is to add depth at every position.
The safety unit was arguably Houston's most disappointing position group during the 2023 season. However, the previous 24 hours have given the Texans a chance to change that.
Several safeties will be on the open market following their respective releases, headlined by All-Pro Justin Simmons. As first reported by ESPN, the Denver Broncos released Simmons after eight seasons Thursday morning.
Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) reacts after intercepting a pass with safety P.J. Locke (6) against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Highmark Stadium.
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Regarding improving the safety unit, Ryans cited health and consistency as his primary desires.
"We had a lot of guys going in and out at safety — our last game versus the [Baltimore] Ravens ended up with some backup players in there," Ryans said. "We've just got to find a way to stay healthy at the safety spot and just find a way to stay consistent so no matter who's back there it's just being consistent.
"I think that's the key for us. Especially defensively. Our safeties are a very important piece and I really like to use our safeties a lot. Pass game. Blitzing. Those guys are integral pieces of that chest match and game plan that I like to do."
The subpar production from the safety unit played a significant role in the Texans' passing defensive struggles. Houston allowed an average of 234.1 passing yards, the 10th most last season.
Jalen Pitre's play declined from his rookie season. After recording five interceptions as a rookie in 2022, Pitre failed to record a pick in his second year. And during the Texans' blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 24, Pitre's inadequate play forced Ryans to bench him in the second half.
Injuries forced Jimmie Ward to miss 10 games between the regular season and playoffs. A strained quadricep caused Ward to end his first season in Houston on injured reserve.
Pitre and Ward are the presumed starters for the 2024 season. However, if the Texans can land one of the most prominent safeties in free agency, the acquisition could change the trajectory of Houston's defense.
Simmons is coming off his fourth-career All-Pro season. In his final year with the Broncos, he recorded 70 tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions and 1.0 sacks across 15 games played. Simmons' market value is currently $11.1 million, according to Spotrac.
The Texans have nearly $70.0 million to spend on the open market. Outside of Simmons, there will be more options for Houston to examine.
Jamal Adams ( Seattle Seahawks), Kevin Byard ( Philadelphia Eagles), Quandre Diggs (Seattle Seahawks), Eddie Jackson (Chicago Bears), Rayshawn Jenkins (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Jordan Poyer (Buffalo Bills).
