The Atlanta Falcons have added another Pro Bowl safety to their defense, officially signing Justin Simmons to the roster on Sunday afternoon. In a corresponding move, the team released wide receiver James Washington.
The 30-year-old made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career last season but was released by the cap-strapped Broncos in March. Simmons, who has 30 career interceptions, joins fellow Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates III in Atlanta’s secondary this season.
The addition of Simmons likely ends Richie Grant’s time as a starter in Atlanta. Grant can serve as the team’s third safety which will help mitigate the temporary loss of DeMarcco Hellams. Simmons and Bates (50 combined career interceptions) should form one of the NFL’s top safety duos this season.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/FrqJfXQVsd
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119) August 16, 2024
Falcons Pro Bowl guard Chris Lindstrom helped facilitate the deal by restructuring his contract to free up over $10 million. The team gave Simmons a one-year, $8 million contract with a base pay of $7.5 million.
Over The Cap showed the Falcons with close to $7 million prior to cutting Washington and adding Simmons, so Atlanta had just enough cap space to make it work. The team traded for Patriots edge Matthew Judon on Wednesday before agreeing to terms with Simmons on Thursday evening.
Both playmakers have played some of their best football in recent years. If the goal is to win now, the Falcons are making the right moves by adding proven veterans at positions of need.
