"I can be the missing piece": Ex-Broncos Justin Simmons sends strong message to teams in free agency lull

As former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons now knows, his former team is not afraid to move on from its safeties. General Manager George Paton notoriously let his starting teammate Kareem Jackson hit the market before re-signing him multiple times. However, it appears that strategy didn't transfer to Simmons.

Simmons, who remains at the top of the free agent market on the doorstep of training camp, left many wondering if he was playing hard to get. According to statements made by the safety at "a charity golf event," per Denver 7 via NBC Sports, those guesses were validated:

“I think ultimately we’re going to end up where we’re wanted and where we’re valued. I’ve always said from the jump that I want to play for a contender, and I feel like I can be the missing piece for a lot of teams to get them over the hump.”

Simmons was released this offseason by the Denver Broncos as one of the most well-known names on the defensive side of the ball. The safety was added to the team in 2016 in the shadow of the team's Super Bowl 50 win over Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. His exit underlines how long the team has gone without a playoff appearance. In his entire career, the Broncos failed to make the playoffs.

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In an offensive league, it is clear which side of the ball teams are taking the slow road on. Out of the top 10 free agents listed on NFL Trade Rumors, six are on the defensive side of the ball. One could make the case that the safety position could have the greatest plurality of candidates.

Working under the assumption that any of the top remaining cornerbacks can be repurposed to play safety, Justin Simmons has five other players to compete with for a job, including Xavien Howard.

Aside from Russell Wilson's former teammate in Denver, Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson and Adoree' Jackson are all available.

Of course, some teams might not look at it as needing specifically a safety. Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Adoree' Jackson could serve as players who simply fill a need if a team sets its needs at only wanting to boost its defensive production.

As a safety at 30 years old, Justin Simmons offers a chance to play for several years in the correct situation. The safety earned a 67.9 PFF grade in 2023, proving that he can still play. Will any teams bite on the safety ahead of the other roughly half-dozen defensive options?