Safety, one of the top players available on the free agent market, The Indianapolis Colts Would Make A Fantastic Pick in Justin Simmons
At safety, the Indianapolis Colts require assistance. One of the top players at the position in the NFL, Justin Simmons, is a free agent right now. Having said that, a Simmons-to-Indy situation is extremely logical.
Remarkably, Simmons is still up for grabs. You would think that by now he would have signed with a new team, having been released by the Denver Broncos in March. Obviously, though, that hasn’t occurred yet. Pro-bowler Justin Simmons is incredibly good and could improve the Colts secondary right away.
The Indianapolis Colts Must Achieve Free Agent Security The Justin Simmons
The Football Career of Justin Simmons
In the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Justin Simmons, who played collegiate ball at Boston College. He had an incredible eight-year career in Denver after that. Simmons was selected for two Pro Bowls and was a four-time member of the Associated Press second-team All-Pro team. Additionally, he was selected three times for the NFL Top 100. Furthermore, he was nominated three times for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year honor.
During his tenure with the Broncos, Justin Simmons produced a number of amazing plays. He recovered for game-winning interceptions against the Miami Dolphins in 2020, the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2017 and the Washington Commanders in 2021. His play from 2016 is arguably the most remembered.
when he stopped the New Orleans Saints from scoring an extra point. When Denver won the game, it was eventually returned by fellow safety Will Parks.
The only player in the NFL to record three interceptions or more in each of the last six seasons is Simmons. During the 2022 season, he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions.
Simmons had a Pro Bowl season in 2023. The native of Florida recorded 70 tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, eight passes defended, and a sack.
The Reasons Indianapolis Should Sign Him
In the fifth round of this year’s draft, the Colts selected Jaylin Simpson and Jacksonville Carlies, two designated safety. But each player is shifting to a different position. Simpson will move to cornerback, and Carlies will play linebacker. As a result, the Colts didn’t actually use the draft to address the safety issue.
But this offseason, Indianapolis did re-sign Julian Blackmon. He will undoubtedly start at strong safety, although there is competition for the open safety berth. This spring, Daniel Scott—who was vying for a starting position—suffered his second straight season-ending injury.
Simmons would be ideal for this position. Despite being thirty years old, he hasn’t displayed any symptoms of slowing down. He and Blackmon might have a strong bond.
one-two kick in the forthcoming season. Additionally, Simmons might serve as a mentor for Indy’s young safety players, such as Nick Cross, 22.
With all nine of their draft selections signed, the Colts’ cap space is sitting at approximately $25 million. That implies they have sufficient funds to sign Simmons, who is anticipated to make approximately $11 million a year.
Chris Ballard, the general manager of the Colts, has not stated if he will rely on young guys like Rodney Thomas II and Cross or add an experienced safety this summer. But Justin Simmons needs to be the guy if he decides to take that path.
Primary Image Credit: The Indianapolis Star syndicated photo