Announcement: Saints Closing In On Deal To Sign Star Free Agent Safety As Tyrann Mathieu Excited For Potential Partnership

The New Orleans Saints are interested in star free agent safety Justin Simmons. The veteran safety also has interest in the team. He’s got connections on the roster and the coaching staff in New Orleans.

Simmons visited the Saints on Wednesday.

A key stat emerged on social media during Saints practice on Wednesday, accompanying his visit. Justin Simmons and Tyrann Mathieu are tied for first and third in interceptions over the past five seasons. Mathieu had the perfect reaction to the nugget.

Tyrann Mathieu excited for potential duo with Justin Simmons

Clearly, Mathieu understands the value that Simmons could bring. Jordan Howden played good football as a rookie in 2023, but upgrading that spot to Simmons as the starter creates notable depth at safety.

You feel a lot better about the position from an upside standpoint when you have two former Pro Bowlers starting on the back end. That would give more comfort and stability for the cornerback room as well.

How big is the need at safety for New Orleans?

Both the Saints and Simmons recognize that the league is a business. The deal must make sense for both parties, and Dennis Allen stated that the interest in Simmons is not necessarily motivated by a need to acquire “anybody” at safety.

Rather, New Orleans recognizes the unique chance to add a safety like Simmons at this stage of the offseason. Normally, a top-tier safety would have been signed early during free agency. That was not the case for Simmons.

We’ll see whether the Saints and Simmons reach an agreement. It would be a wise decision for both parties to work together. A contemporary Saints star understands this.