The Atlanta Falcons suffered numerous injuries during Friday’s preseason game against the Miami Dolphins, including an injury to second-year safety DeMarcco Hellams. While head coach Raheem Morris said Hellams isn’t headed to the injured reserve list, the former seventh-round pick will be out for a bit due to an ankle injury.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are set to host two-time Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons on a free-agent visit on Monday and Tuesday. Simmons, 30, played all eight years of his NFL career for the Denver Broncos. Despite posting one of his best seasons in 2023, the Broncos released him over the offseason.
The #Falcons are hosting Pro Bowl FA safety Justin Simmons on a visit today and tomorrow, sources say. Atlanta was hit with injuries at the position, and Simmons is a potential answer.
Simmons, the top free agent available, also recently visited the rival #Saints. pic.twitter.com/eGW6OTEdX4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2024
Simmons has spent most of his career playing the free safety position, racking up 30 interceptions and 64 passes defended since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2016. According to Over The Cap‘s projections, the Falcons have roughly $3.5 million in cap space available.
Hellams was set to play a key role this season but since he’s likely out for a while, Simmons would make an intriguing addition. The team signed three players, including former Pro Bowl kick returner Jakeem Grant. Check out Atlanta’s updated 90-man roster following the team’s latest transactions.