PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are always looking to add to their team. That’s one of the best traits general manager Omar Khan has instilled in this organization. He’s tenacious yet meticulous in his approach. If a player fills a need he’s identified, he’ll get him, no matter when. If an opportunity arises that will improve the team, he’s not afraid to make bold changes.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, a potential target is now off the market and what’s worse, they have to play him in the first week of the regular season. Former Denver Broncos All-Pro safety Justin Simmons, the top free agent available, is signing a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. NFL insider Ian Rapoport first broke the news via his X account. Rapoport also shared the contract details for the Pro Bowler.
“Former #Broncos perennial Pro Bowl player Justin Simmons signs with #Falcons,” he wrote. “Top free agent visited ATL and the #Saints. He lands with #Falcons on 1-year deal worth $8 million – $7.5 million guaranteed.”
Former #Broncos Justin Simmons, the long-time Pro Bowl player, signs with the #Falcons. The top free agent visited ATL and the #Saints.
He lands with the #Falcons with a 1-year contract worth $8 million – of which $7.5 million is guaranteed – in a deal negotiated by Todd France of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/kGJ9urVSQt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) 15 August 2024
With this move, the Falcons add another experienced defender with an impressive resume to the team. The team traded star linebacker Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. Before the dust of the move had settled, they signed Simmons to a contract and bolstered both their secondary and their pass rush within 24 hours.
Simmons has been one of the best safeties in the NFL since entering the league. Originally drafted by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, there has been no more prolific ball-catcher at safety. In 118 NFL games and 108 starts, he has recorded 30 interceptions, the most in the NFL since 2016. He also has the third-most interceptions among active safeties.
The Steelers must now prepare to face another dangerous playmaker in the first week of the season. Along with the return of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who will face his former team, he has the unfortunate pleasure of devising a plan to overcome the Falcons’ suddenly strong defense. With these teams just weeks away from the regular season, the Steelers face another challenge as the 2024 season begins.
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