Justin Simmons
After the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets still have a few holes to fill, but former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons might fill one of them fast.
Following the draft, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report listed the top free agents available. The ranking also featured each player’s top landing position. The top-ranked free agent, Simmons, suggested the Jets as a potential destination.
“Teams weren’t rushing to sign Simmons while he counted against the compensatory pick formula, even though the 2024 cycle lacked superstars at the position,” Kenyon wrote. That is no longer relevant in light of the proposal. Put another way, Simmons’ market should expand quickly now that the draft is over—of course, based on his price.
Prior to this, Simmons and the Denver Broncos inked a four-year, $61 million contract extension. The Jets might be able to acquire the former All-Pro for a lot less money given the state of the safety market right now.
Even Now, Justin Simmons Is a Premier NFL Safety
As one of the best safeties in the game, Simmons is still performing at a very high level even if his career may be coming to an end.
Simmons is a late bloomer par excellence. He received few offers as a 2-star prospect out of high school in Florida. With only four notable offers, he chose to enroll at Boston College.
Simmons remained unnoticed even during his undergraduate years. Despite this, his ball skills were impressive; during his career, he recorded 229 total tackles, 8 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles.
Taking a chance, the Broncos selected Simmons in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by selecting him. In the end, he was a real find. In eight seasons, Simmons has averaged at least 12 games every season, recorded 30 career interceptions, and broke up 64 passes. Among his accomplishments are two Pro Bowl trips and four second-team All-Pro choices.
It’s unknown, though, how much more Simmons has left in the tank at thirty years old. In 2023, Pro Football Focus assigned him a grade of 67.9, which was the second-lowest of his career.
Even so, a team like the Jets may find Simmons to be a complete value after the draft if 2023 was just a bad year.
The Safety Situation of the Jets Right Now
At last, more reinforcements are arriving at safety for the Jets. Still, another seasoned veteran might improve New York’s defense.
Prior to the 2023 season, Chuck Clark was an intriguing addition to the Jets. But he had to miss the entire year due to an ACL tear sustained during OTAs. Fans of the Jets are hopeful Clark can get off to a quick start.
Tony Adams played a good role for the Jets in the previous campaign. In his 15 games of action, he recorded 83 total tackles, 3 interceptions. In addition to being a valuable member of the special teams, Ashytn Davis is a reliable backup safety.
That is a good level of safety-minded depth and dependability. However, Simmons might be a wise addition as a free agency if the Jets are truly interested in taking a chance on a seasoned player who could open doors defensively.
The Jets should be fine even if they decide not to sign Simmons.
