There are several reasons to be excited for the Washington Commanders‘ 2025 campaign. After making a surprise run to the NFC Championship Game last year, the Commanders’ front office has been hard at work upgrading their roster this offseason. As a result, they are firmly among the group of top Super Bowl contenders in the league as we approach the new season.
Despite that, there are always holes on a roster that can be filled, and for Washington, one of their top areas of need is the safety position. After losing Jeremy Chinn in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Commanders have been linked to former All-Pro star Justin Simmons. With the veteran defender still on the free agent market, his latest comments could catch the attention of Washington’s front office.
Justin Simmons Wants to Play for a Playoff Contender
During the first eight seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos, Simmons established himself as one of the most reliable safeties in the league. He earned four All-Pro Second-Team selections during his time with them, in addition to a pair of Pro Bowl selections as well. The Broncos opted to move on from him after the 2023 season, with the Atlanta Falcons scooping him up.
While Simmons suited up for 16 games with the Falcons last season, he didn’t make his usual impact for them. Simmons racked up 62 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups, but he never seemed to be a strong fit in Atlanta’s defense. While he is open to returning to the Falcons, it doesn’t seem all that likely at this point.
As a result, Simmons is expected to be on the move with the 2025 campaign quickly approaching. As one of the top remaining free agents, Simmons should have no shortage of suitors, with the Commanders expected to be keeping tabs on him. According to the man himself, he wants to play for a playoff contender next season if he doesn’t return to Atlanta, which should only make Washington’s front office more interested in bringing him to town.
“I think Atlanta I would still pick 10 out of 10 times if I was in the spot last year,” Simmons said to Sean Keeler of The Denver Post. “But in terms of where I’m at now, being a little bit more picky where we want to go and where we want to call home next… the next two years, a year, whatever it is… but a contender is No. 1 on the list right now.”
Should the Commanders Sign Justin Simmons?
GettyFalcons safety Justin Simmons.
With Chinn gone, the Commanders’ safety depth chart is a bit lacking. Quan Martin took a big step forward as a full-time starter last season, but the question remains who will start alongside him. Will Harris, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract with Washington in free agency, seems to have the inside track for the starting gig, but he hasn’t been particularly great throughout his career.
Simmons would be an immediate starter alongside Martin, which is one of their top needs heading into training camp. While he’s getting older, and his play may be declining, the Commanders could likely scoop him up on a one-year contract, which is all they need at this point anyway. If the price is right, Washington could be the perfect fit for Simmons as he looks to win a championship before he calls it a career.
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