The Atlanta Falcons have signed Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons to a one-year, $8 million contract to join their defense, according to multiple reports. Simmons, 30, has been one of the NFL’s top free safeties since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2016. The Denver Broncos waived Simmons during the offseason, despite him being set to make his second Pro Bowl appearance in 2023.
The Falcons acquired outside linebacker Matthew Judon from the Patriots in a trade on Wednesday night and now add Simmons to a defense that already features safety Jessie Bates III and cornerback A.J. Terrell. In the space of 24 hours, the team has added two dynamic playmakers to Raheem Morris’ defense.
Fans were excited to see the front office remain proactive following recent injuries to Brallen Trice and DeMarco Helams. Take a look at some of the best Twitter reactions to Atlanta’s newest signings.
Justin Simmons + Jesse Bates III + AJ Terrell (not sure who the other corner is) 🔥
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 15, 2024
No player has thrown more interceptions than Justin Simmons’ 30 since 2016. The duo of Jessie Bates + Simmons has two of the best safeties of the past decade.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot has made some aggressive moves to add Matt Judon and Simmons to the team, which could make them a contender for the NFC. https://t.co/Yi3YXc4EJr
— Cameron Wolf (@CameronWolfe) August 15, 2024
To acquire OLB Matt Judon and move forward with the signing of S Justin Simmons, #Falcons They applied G Chris Lindstrom’s $11.2 million base salary to a signing bonus, freeing up $8.96 million in 2024 cap space.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) August 15, 2024
The Falcons are currently revamping their defense and…
🏈Matthew Judon
🏈Justin Simmons
🏈 Jessie Bates
🏈AJ Terrell
🏈Grady Jarrett
🏈David Onyemata
🏈Zach Harrison
🏈Lorenzo Carter
🏈Cayden Ellis
🏈Richie Grant
🏈Arnold Ebiketty
🏈Luke Oluhoro
With new HC Raheem Morris and DC… https://t.co/PHejLAxBDC pic.twitter.com/IImXb7uSKu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 15, 2024