Another highly experienced star made it clear that he wants to join a team with championship potential.
Still unsigned, the All-Pro safety talked about his free agency on the April 8 episode of Up & Adams with Kay Adams, and one team came up repeatedly: the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Philly just won it last year? Yeah, that’d be special,” Simmons said, expressing real interest in joining the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Adams also brought up Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who coached Simmons for three seasons in Denver. Simmons acknowledged that connection could be a major factor.
“Yeah, it really does matter,” he said. “Going to Philly with Vic — he knows exactly what I bring, and I know what to expect from him. I’ve already played in that system.”
Justin Simmons Expands on His Desire to Play for the Philadelphia Eagles
Vic Fangio isn’t the only familiar face drawing Justin Simmons toward Philadelphia. The veteran safety also has a strong connection with Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, who coached alongside him in Denver.
The Eagles recently traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick—creating a potential opening in the secondary. Simmons sees that as an opportunity.
“There are certain things I know Vic and Christian like,” Simmons said. “I think I can really contribute there. Of course, C.J. meant a lot to that city, and those are big shoes to fill, but I love what they’re building with Blankenship and the rest of the group.”
Simmons brings elite production and leadership to the table. Over his eight NFL seasons, he’s tallied 30 interceptions, 64 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, and more than 500 tackles. He’s been a Second-Team All-Pro every year from 2019 through 2023 and led all safeties with six interceptions in 2022—even while missing time with injury. From 2018 to 2020, he didn’t miss a single defensive snap.
As he enters the later stages of his career, Simmons is focused on one thing: winning.
“I want to find the best situation, and I want to be with a team that’s built to win,” he said. “We’ll see where that ends up.”
Eagles Could Use Veteran DB With Gardner-Johnson Gone
Beyond his impressive numbers, Justin Simmons is widely respected for his leadership and character. He was Denver’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee multiple times, recognized for his consistent community involvement and off-field impact.
After a one-year stint with the Falcons in 2024, Simmons is seeking a fresh start—and even at age 31, he remains one of the most intriguing free agents still on the market. His football IQ, ball-hawking instincts, and versatility continue to stand out, even as his physical prime begins to wane.
Simmons could be a valuable addition to a Philadelphia secondary in transition. His experience and steady presence would help guide young talents like Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown, while also helping fill the leadership void left by longtime veterans Fletcher Cox and Jason Kelce.
With a reputation for professionalism and composure under pressure, Simmons would be a seamless fit in the competitive, high-accountability culture that head coach Nick Sirianni has established in Philly. The question now is whether GM Howie Roseman is ready to make a move.
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