NFL Rumors: Justin Simmons to Visit Falcons in Free Agency After Broncos Exit

The Atlanta Falcons are bringing veteran safety Justin Simmons in for a visit, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

This comes after head coach Raheem Morris confirmed safety DeMarcco Hellams is out for "significant time" due to an ankle injury.

Hellams is the backup to Richie Grant in Atlanta's unofficial depth chart, so his absence could force the front office to make an outside addition in some form whether it's with Simmons or another target.

The two-time Pro Bowler also met with New Orleans Saints officials last week as he explores his options ahead of the 2024 regular season.

Simmons remained productive in the Denver Broncos' secondary in 2023. He finished with 70 tackles, three interceptions and eight pass breakups in 15 games. Denver's decision to cut him in March was down largely to finances along with the fact the organization is rebuilding.

The 30-year-old continues to be highly respected by his peers, who ranked him as the 57th-best in the league for NFL Network's annual list.

Maybe this is a case where teams know better than fans about what an aging player can contribute on the field. Around this time last year, people were getting excited about how good the New York Jets offense would be with Dalvin Cook in the backfield, and Cook proceeded to have the worst season of his career by far.

On paper at least, a safety tandem of Simmons and Jessie Bates III looks pretty formidable if it comes together. Their partnership would point to the Falcons' desire to take a step forward under Morris after three straight 7-10 campaigns under his predecessor, Arthur Smith.