Justin Simmons has finally found a home.
It just isn’t NRG Stadium with the Houston Texans.
The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $8 million with the two-time Pro Bowl defensive back on Thursday, thus shoring up their defense for a run to the postseason.
On Wednesday, Atlanta traded a third-round pick to the New England Patriots for edge rusher Matthew Judon, who reportedly was on Houston’s radar earlier this month.
Simmons, 30, became one of the top defensive backs over his eight seasons with the Denver Broncos. Over his last two seasons, he totaled nine interceptions and 15 pass breakups.
Falcons now have revamped their defense to include…
🏈Matthew Judon
🏈Justin Simmons
🏈Jessie Bates
🏈AJ Terrell
🏈Grady Jarrett
🏈David Onyemata
🏈Zach Harrison
🏈Lorenzo Carter
🏈Kaden Elliss
🏈Richie Grant
🏈Arnold Ebiketie
🏈Ruke OrhorhoroWith new HC Raheem Morris and DC… https://t.co/PHejLAxBDC pic.twitter.com/IImXb7uSKu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2024
The Broncos elected to release Simmons to free up cap space in March. Multiple teams were interested in the four-time second-team All-Pro selection’s services, but none were viewed as a good fit.
According to reports, Simmons had an offer on the table from the Texans, but multiple beat reporters nixed the idea earlier this month. Before signing with Atlanta, Simmons met with the New Orleans Saints in California during their training camp visit.
Entering the regular season, the Texans are projected to start Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre at safety, though the latter has worked extensively at the nickel position. Should he move down, Eric Murray and Bullock would likely compete for first-team reps throughout the year.
The hope is Bullock could transform into a Simmons-type defensive back before the end of his rookie deal. The former USC defender was best used in coverage, totaling nine interceptions and 16 pass breakups in three seasons.
If Bullock puts up similar production to Simmons, Houston would be landing an All-Pro type defender at the last line of defense. Since 2016, Simonns’ 30 interceptions are more than any other player currently active.
