Breaking: Indianapolis Colts Closing In On Deal To Sign Former $61 Million Free Agent Safety

The Indianapolis Colts need help at safety. Justin Simmons, one of the NFL’s top performers at the position, is now a free agent. With that stated, a Simmons-to-Indy scenario makes a lot of sense.

Surprisingly, Simmons remains available. After being released by the Denver Broncos in March, you would expect him to have signed with another team by now. But, obviously, it has not occurred yet. Justin Simmons is a very good Pro Bowler who might immediately improve the Colts’ secondary.

Indianapolis Colts Need to Land Free Agent Safety Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons’ Football Career

Justin Simmons, who attended Boston College, was taken by the Broncos in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He went on to enjoy a remarkable eight-year career in Denver. Simmons received two Pro Bowl invitations and was selected a four-time Associated Press second-team All-Pro. In addition, he was named to the NFL Top 100 three times. In addition, he received three nominations for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award.

Justin Simmons made numerous standout plays during his time with the Broncos. He made game-winning interceptions against the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders in 2017, Miami Dolphins in 2020, and Washington Commanders in 2021. Perhaps his most notable play was in 2016, when he blocked an extra point against the New Orleans Saints. Fellow safety Will Parks eventually returned it, and Denver won the game.

Simmons is the league’s only player to have at least three interceptions in each of the last six seasons. He tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2022.

2023 was a Pro Bowl campaign for Simmons. The Florida native produced 70 tackles, three interceptions, eight passes defended, two forced fumbles, and a sack.

Why Indianapolis Should Sign Him

The Colts selected two designated safeties (Jaylon Carlies and Jaylin Simpson) in the fifth round of this year’s draft. However, both players are transitioning to other positions. Carlies will play linebacker, with Simpson switching to cornerback. As a result, the Colts did not address the safety position during the draft.

Indianapolis re-signed Julian Blackmon this offseason. While he is guaranteed to start at strong safety, the free safety position is up for grabs. Daniel Scott, a potential starter, sustained a season-ending injury for the second year in a row.

Simmons would be ideal for the job. Despite being 30 years old, he has shown no signs of slowing down. He and Blackmon might provide a formidable one-two punch this season. Simmons could also tutor Indianapolis’ young safeties, such as 22-year-old Nick Cross.

After signing all nine draft picks, the Colts now have approximately $25 million in cap room. This means they have enough money to sign Simmons, whose projected salary is around $11 million.

It’s uncertain whether Colts general manager Chris Ballard will sign a veteran safety this offseason or stick with young players like Cross and Rodney Thomas II. But if he decides to go that path, Justin Simmons must be the guy.