Justin Simmons could be on the verge of finding a new home.
The former Broncos safety visited the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, head coach Dennis Allen told reporters.
Allen said there were “back and forth” conversations between the Saints and Simmons in the spring but both sides were not on the same page in terms of what the organization was willing to do.
“As it’s getting closer to the season, I think we’re a little closer on both sides,” Allen said. “That’s why you bring the player in. You have a chance to sit down and visit with him, and see if things work out.”
Simmons is one of the top players available on the free-agent market. In eight seasons with the Broncos, Simmons recorded 604 tackles, 30 interceptions and 65 passes defended while being selected to the Pro Bowl twice. His interception total is the most by a player since 2016.
Simmons made his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2023 after he totaled 70 tackles, three picks and eight passes defended. In March, the Broncos parted ways with the 30-year-old defensive back to save $14.5 million in cap space. Following the departure of Simmons, Denver retained P.J. Locke on a two-year deal while signing former Dolphins safety Brandon Jones to a three-year deal, worth up to $22.5 million.
On Monday, the Broncos released safety Caden Sterns after an injury plagued tenure in Denver, an indication the team will rely on Locke, Jones and second-year safety JL Skinner to defend the back end of the field. Sterns was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday.
In June, Simmons said that he wanted to join a team that gave him the opportunity to continue playing at a high level, but more importantly, was also ready to win. The Saints finished 9-8 in 2023 and haven’t been to the postseason since 2020 when Sean Payton was still the head coach.
If Simmons ends up signing with the Saints, he will join a secondary that includes safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
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Originally Published: August 7, 2024 at 8:07 a.m.
