Matthew Judon wasn’t the only Pro Bowl player the Falcons had in their sights this week. After completing the trade for Judon, the team signed safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million contract. These moves greatly improve the team’s chances of winning the NFC South in 2024.
We examined Judon’s yearly production on Wednesday, but what are the Falcons getting in their new safety? Here’s a look back at Simmons’ year-by-year production since being drafted by the Broncos in 2016:
| Justin Simmons Career Stats | |||||
| Team | Year | Tackles | TFL | INT | PBU |
| 2016 | DEN | 30 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2017 | DEN | 69 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| 2018 | DEN | 97 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| 2019 | DEN | 93 | 2 | 4 | 15 |
| 2020 | DEN | 96 | 3 | 5 | 9 |
| 2021 | DEN | 80 | 4 | 5 | 12 |
| 2022 | DEN | 69 | 2 | 6 | 7 |
| 2023 | DEN | 70 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Total | 604 | 19 | 30 | 64 | |
Simmons was let go by the Broncos before the start of free agency in March to create cap space. It was surprising to see the veteran released after his Pro Bowl campaign in 2023, but Denver needed the cap space due to Russell Wilson’s impending release.
Since being drafted in 2016, Simmons has led all players with 30 total interceptions. Based on his success in prior seasons, Simmons is a lock to overtake Richie Grant and partner with Jessie Bates in the starting lineup. Bates, who joined Atlanta as a free agent last offseason, is also coming off a Pro Bowl appearance.
Bates has 20 interceptions of his own since entering the league in 2018. Teaming up with Simmons gives the Falcons a dynamic duo on the back end of their defense.
