The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free-agent safety Justin Simmons on a one-year contract worth $8 million, according to his agency, Athletes First, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The deal includes $7.5 million in fully guaranteed money, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Simmons, 30, will add depth to a Falcons secondary that already includes star safety Jessie Bates. His signing comes as DeMarcco Hellams is expected to miss significant time due to an ankle injury. Hellams had been in competition with Richie Grant for the starting spot alongside Bates.
Earlier this week, Simmons visited the Falcons and reportedly had dinner with cornerback A.J. Terrell and defensive lineman Grady Jarrett, as shared by KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.
Previously released by the Denver Broncos in March, Simmons is coming off a productive 2023 season, where he posted 70 tackles, eight passes defensed, and three interceptions over 15 games. Since entering the NFL in 2016, the Boston College alum has recorded a total of 30 interceptions.
The Falcons have been focused on strengthening their defense ahead of the upcoming season. In addition to Simmons, Atlanta also acquired veteran pass-rusher Matthew Judon in a trade with the New England Patriots earlier this week.
To create cap space for Simmons’ signing, the Falcons restructured the contract of offensive guard Chris Lindstrom, converting a portion of his $12.5 million base salary into a signing bonus, according to sources cited by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
